Catalonia records 73 heat-related deaths in July 

Catalonia recorded 73 heat-related deaths in July, 14 more than last year, according to the Carlos III Institute's daily mortality monitoring system. 

The system has been collecting data since 2020, during which time Catalonia has recorded 1,655 excess deaths due to extreme temperatures, both high and low. 

The year with the most deaths due to high temperatures in July was 2022, with a total of 183 deaths, followed by 97 in 2015, 93 in 2019, and 73 in 2024.  

The report comes two days after the end of an intense three-day heatwave in Catalonia, which saw Barcelona reach a grueling 39.8°C, the hottest temperature ever recorded since records began. 

In all of Spain, 771 people died in July due to high temperatures, slightly higher than in 2023 but lower than in 2022, the year were most deaths due to extreme temperatures was recorded.  

Effects of energy poverty in summer months 

The consequences of the high temperatures recorded in Catalonia also affect energy consumption. 

A recent survey carried out by AMB (Barcelona Metropolitan Area) and the Metròpoli Institute shows that 30.7% of the vulnerable population in the Barcelona metropolitan area cannot afford the cost of air conditioning.   

5 out of 10 respondents had more trouble sleeping, were more tired and had more anxiety or emotional discomfort due to the high temperatures.   

The results show that energy poverty has increased by 7% in the last two years. The survey also revealed that 11.5% of respondents are late in paying bills for basic services.   

AMB urged the need for more climate shelters in the more than 20 cities of the metropolitan area.