Sciensano reports 1,747 excess deaths after Belgium’s June heatwave
Updated 11 July 2026, 15:00 UTC. Belgium recorded 1,747 excess deaths during the 18 June-1 July heatwave period, according to Sciensano figures reported by AFP and carried by The Guardian.
In 30 seconds
- Sciensano reported 1,747 excess deaths for 18 June-1 July, according to AFP via The Guardian.
- AFP reported the excess mortality rate at 47 percent for the period.
- BRUZZ reported that the risk of heatwave-related excess mortality is higher in Brussels.
- The Royal Meteorological Institute defines a Belgian heatwave as five 25C days, including three 30C days.
The subject is excess mortality linked to Belgium’s late-June 2026 heatwave, with Brussels as the main regional focus because BRUZZ reported a higher local risk. The named entities are Sciensano, BRUZZ, the Royal Meteorological Institute, Brussels Environment, AFP, The Guardian, AP and World Weather Attribution.
Background
Belgium has seen deadly heat before, including the 2019 European heatwaves, but the reported 2026 excess mortality figure stands out because Sciensano’s monitoring series began in 2000 and AFP described this episode as the highest excess mortality in that series.
What to do
Check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives, avoid strenuous activity during peak heat, use cooler public spaces where available, keep curtains closed in sun-facing rooms, and seek medical help for confusion, fainting or persistent overheating.
Impact
Regional — Brussels is central to this story. BRUZZ framed the risk as higher in the capital, and the city’s built environment makes heat exposure harder to avoid for people in small flats, poorly insulated homes and highly paved neighbourhoods.
EvidenceWell established · 1 primary source + 2 official documents + 2 independent reporting sourcesExplore evidence →Hide evidence ↑
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This story was assembled from verified evidence, with its sources and reasoning recorded as it was written.