The city recorded a 57% increase in heat-related deaths, reaching a total of 3,500 in the last decade. Women and the elderly are the most affected by this climate crisis.
Extreme weather has taken a heavy toll on Barcelona, where the Carlos III Health Institute reports that 370 people died from heat in 2025, representing a 57% increase compared to the previous year. This alarming figure adds to the more than 3,500 deaths recorded in the last decade, according to reports from the Barcelona Public Health Agency (ASPB). The situation is particularly critical for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and women, who face significantly higher mortality rates during the summer months.
During the period from May to September, it is estimated that 8% of all deaths in the city are related to extreme temperatures. In this context, the ASPB has begun monitoring heat-related mortality since 2024, revealing that the impact is greater among women and people over 75 years, who account for nearly 83% of the total deaths from this cause in 2025.
The report highlights that from 2016 to now, approximately 1,965 women have lost their lives due to adverse weather conditions, which equates to 55.54% of the total. In contrast, men show a much lower rate: only 6.38 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants compared to the overwhelming female figures.
The data also indicates that days with moderate temperatures are responsible for a greater number of deaths compared to extremely hot days. This suggests that not only thermal peaks should be a cause for concern; sustained heat throughout the summer has devastating effects on public health.
In particular, four critical days have been recorded where the established thresholds for considering heat as intense (34.3 degrees Celsius) were exceeded. During one of those extreme episodes, temperatures exceeded 36 degrees, resulting in around 22 deaths, primarily among women.
The ASPB warns of the urgent need to implement effective measures to protect these vulnerable groups against future heatwaves. The lack of access to adequate systems for cooling homes further exacerbates this health crisis. Many families are estimated to be unable to afford devices such as air conditioning or fans due to economic constraints.
With these worrying figures on the table, it is evident that Barcelona must act quickly to mitigate these risks associated with climate change and protect its most vulnerable citizens. Local authorities are under pressure to develop effective strategies that include informative campaigns on how to stay cool and safe during heatwaves.
Citizens can access community resources where cooled spaces are offered during peak heat hours and receive information on how to prevent heat strokes and other complications related to high temperatures. With summer approaching again, it is crucial to be prepared and aware of the real impact of extreme weather on our health.
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