A new study by the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London has revealed that summer heat deaths across Europe in 2025 more than tripled due to climate change, with Cyprus recording some of the highest average temperatures on the continent.

According to the report, mean summer temperatures in Cyprus reached 27.7°C, making it one of the hottest countries surveyed. Nationwide, an estimated 49 excess heat-related deaths were recorded in 2025, with 29 of those deaths directly attributed to climate change, representing about 59% of the total.

Nicosia registered 16 excess heat-related deaths during the summer months, with 10 of those attributed directly to climate change (60%). 

Over Europe as a whole there is a northwest-southeast gradient, with central, southern and eastern Europe warming substantially more than countries in the northern region. Warming also tends to be stronger further inland, with the lowest estimated rates of warming recorded in Ireland, Cyprus, Malta and Portugal, countries where their cities are usually in coastal regions.

The findings come against a backdrop of back-to-back heatwaves that swept across southern Europe, triggering wildfires in Greece, Türkiye and Cyprus itself. In July, a record-breaking week-long heatwave across the eastern Mediterranean pushed temperatures far above seasonal averages and created highly fire-prone conditions.

While Cyprus’ overall number of excess deaths is lower than larger European countries, the per capita impact is significant, highlighting the island’s vulnerability to extreme heat events. The study warns that urbanisation, ageing populations and the country’s Mediterranean climate increase health risks, particularly for older residents.

Across the 854 cities examined, researchers estimated 24,404 excess deaths in Europe during summer 2025, with nearly 17,000 directly attributable to human-induced climate change. Southern and southeastern Europe recorded the highest mortality rates, while countries like Sweden and Malta had the highest proportion of climate-change-driven deaths.

With projections of further warming by the end of the century if emissions are not curbed, the authors warn that heat-related mortality will continue to rise without decisive action.