emirates7 - An estimated 9,800 people across Germany have died so far this year due to heat-related causes, said ​Germany's RKI health body in its weekly report on Thursday, as temperatures of more than 40 ‌degrees ⁠Celsius are expected to hit ‌several regions.

The ⁠largest proportion of ​heat-related ⁠deaths occurs in the age ⁠group of 75 and older, ⁠RKI said.

The mortality rate rises significantly during ⁠weeks ​with average temperatures ⁠over 20 degrees Celsius, according to the institute.

In June, Germany already ​experienced a record-breaking heatwave with ⁠temperatures of 40 degrees or more in ​many regions.