Record heat, ministry data: mortality up 3%, effect limited to those over 85

The impact of the record-breaking heat in May and June on mortality in Italy was generally limited and limited to the very elderly. "The analysis of daily mortality surveillance data for those over 65 showed, for the period May 25-June 30, across all cities considered, that the average excess mortality was limited (3%), also compared to what was observed in other European countries.  

In the second and most intense heat wave (June 18-30), the data presented confirmed, as previously communicated, a statistically significant excess mortality among the over-65 population in Turin. This was announced by the Ministry of Health at the end of the third meeting of the Interinstitutional Steering Committee scheduled as part of the National Operational Plan on the effects of heat.  

"The analysis presented during the Control Room by the Department of Epidemiology of the Lazio Regional Health Service highlighted a further element: the excess mortality recorded in Italy during the reference period is limited to those over 85, the so-called very elderly." 

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"Both globally and in Europe, June 2026 was the second hottest month ever," the Control Room certifies. "The heat alert systems," it reports, "predicted level 2 and 3 risk conditions (orange and red dots) in Italy from June 18th until the end of the month, with an average of 10 days in the North, 10 days in Central Italy, and 4 days in the South. A notable example is the city of Turin, where there were 23 days with level 2 and 3 alerts during the reference period: 63% of the total." 

(Adnkronos)