Italy's central and southern regions registered an excess mortality rate of 7% in July, when the country experienced a series of extraordinary heatwaves last month.
According to Italy's Health Ministry data, people aged over 75 were especially affected by the rise in the number of deaths.
The excess mortality rates were especially high in Bari (up 50%), Taranto 42%, and Reggio Calabria and Catania (34%), according to Italian news agency (ANSA).
The ministry said deaths were down 14% on what would have been expected in northern cities, where the heatwaves were less intense, while health services were boosted.
Scientists say the climate crisis caused by human greenhouse gas emissions is making extreme weather events such as heatwaves, drought, supercharged storms and flooding more frequent and more intense.
Source: Qatar News Agency