Canary Islands: 85 heat-related deaths estimated this summer
The hot summer of 2026 has been linked to a significant loss of life in the Canary Islands, according to official estimates. The MoMo mortality-monitoring system (Sistema de Monitorización de la Mortalidad diaria) of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III attributes 85 deaths on the islands so far this summer (July and August 2026) to excess heat. The figures were reported by Canarias7 on 18 August 2026.
Photo: Hannes Grobe, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Symbolbild).
It is a sensitive toll that needs careful interpretation. According to the data, the 85 cases are split between the two provinces: 44 in Las Palmas and 41 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The elderly are the hardest hit. Public-health experts stress that many such deaths can be prevented with simple precautions.
What the MoMo system reports
According to Canarias7, the MoMo system of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III attributes 85 deaths to heat in the Canary Islands this summer. The period covered runs from early July to 16 August 2026.
Broken down by province, 44 cases fall in Las Palmas and 41 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, meaning both provinces of the archipelago are affected to a similar degree. The figures come from the MoMo system and were relayed by Canarias7.
An estimate, not confirmed individual causes
An important point for context: the 85 cases are a statistical estimate of heat-related excess mortality, not individually confirmed causes of death. The MoMo system (Sistema de Monitorización de la Mortalidad diaria) compares the deaths actually observed with the number expected for the time of year and attributes the difference to heat.
An individual death certificate will therefore not usually record "heat" as the cause. Instead, the method measures how far overall mortality during the hot days exceeded the normal level. That is why the figures are described as "attributable" mortality rather than a direct count of confirmed heat deaths.
How the summer unfolded
By far the largest share of cases falls in August: according to the data, 75 of the 85 deaths were recorded through 16 August. July accounted for 10, mostly between 8 and 19 July. The single deadliest day was 9 August, with an estimated nine deaths.
Compared with the previous year, the increase is marked. For the same period from 1 July to 16 August 2025, the MoMo system recorded 51 cases, so the summer of 2026 is running about 67 percent higher. For context, August 2025 saw 22 heat-related deaths, and August 2024 saw 23.
Who is most affected
The age distribution shows that older people are the most vulnerable. Of the 85 cases, the data attribute 44 to people over 85, 19 to those aged 75 to 84, and 10 to those aged 65 to 74. Five cases involved people aged 45 to 64 and two the 15-to-44 age group. By sex, 51 women and 34 men were affected.
The victims also include, according to the data, an infant who died in Fuerteventura on 4 August. The case is a reminder that, alongside the very old, the youngest are among the vulnerable groups. Elderly and isolated people need particular attention, because their bodies regulate heat less well and warning signs are often noticed late.
How to protect yourself and others
Much of the risk can be eased with simple measures. Public-health specialists advise drinking regularly through the day, even without feeling thirsty, and avoiding the midday sun during the hottest hours (roughly noon to 5 p.m.). Physical exertion outdoors is best moved to the cooler morning or evening.
Indoors, it helps to keep rooms shaded and well ventilated, to wear light, pale clothing, and to take cool showers. Checking on others matters most of all: anyone who knows elderly relatives, people living alone, or those needing care should look in on them regularly during heat spells and make sure they are drinking enough and can reach a cool room.
Avoid the harsh midday sun and stay in the shade or in cool, shaded rooms.
Wear light, pale clothing and shift any exertion to the cooler parts of the day.
Check in regularly on elderly, isolated or unwell neighbours and relatives during heat spells.
Take warning signs seriously: With signs of heatstroke — high body temperature, confusion, dizziness, nausea, or a lack of sweating — cool the person down and, in an emergency, call 112.
Key facts
- 85 deaths attributed to heat in the Canary Islands in summer 2026 (MoMo system, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, via Canarias7)
- By province: 44 in Las Palmas, 41 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- August: 75 cases through 16 August; July: 10 cases; deadliest day 9 August (an estimated 9)
- About 67% more than the same period in 2025 (51 cases); August 2025: 22, August 2024: 23
- By age: over 85: 44, 75–84: 19, 65–74: 10, 45–64: 5, 15–44: 2; by sex: 51 women, 34 men
- A statistical estimate of excess mortality, not individually confirmed causes of death
FAQ
- How many heat-related deaths were reported?
- According to Canarias7, the MoMo system of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III attributes 85 deaths to heat in the Canary Islands this summer (July and August 2026), 44 in Las Palmas and 41 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- Are these confirmed causes of death?
- No. They are a statistical estimate of heat-related excess mortality from the MoMo system, not individually confirmed causes of death.
- How does it compare with last year?
- For 1 July to 16 August 2025 the system recorded 51 cases. At 85 cases, the summer of 2026 is running about 67 percent higher.
- Who is most at risk?
- Older people above all: 44 of the cases involved people over 85. The data also record the death of an infant in Fuerteventura on 4 August.
- How can I protect myself?
- Drink regularly, avoid the midday sun, use cool and shaded rooms, wear light clothing, and check on elderly or isolated people during heat spells.