France Records 2,025 Excess Deaths in Heatwave as Europe Braces for More Extreme Weather

France registered 2,025 excess deaths between June 22 and June 28, a stark increase of nearly 30% during a severe heatwave, according to Public Health France. The Paris region alone saw a 62% surge in mortality. Health officials cautioned that these figures are likely an underestimate, with actual death tolls expected to be higher.

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The number of deaths during a heatwave was "unprecedented".

This surge in fatalities occurred as Europe grapples with increasingly extreme weather events, driven by climate change which is warming the continent at twice the global average rate. The consequences include more frequent and intense summer heatwaves, significant pressure on water resources, and a rise in devastating wildfires. The French Interior Minister also reported 72 drowning deaths since June 18 amid the extreme heat.

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the figure was likely an "underestimate" and mortality would "therefore be higher than these initial figures".

Other European nations have also reported alarming death tolls linked to the heat. Belgium recorded 1,222 excess deaths, a 39% increase over its usual mortality rate, with nearly half of those affected being individuals aged 85 and over. In the Netherlands, approximately 480 excess deaths were attributed to the heatwave, primarily among those aged 80 and older, particularly in the southern and eastern regions where temperatures neared 40C.

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72 people had died by drowning since 18 June.

Looking ahead, forecasters predict a return of hot weather across parts of Europe over the weekend, with temperatures expected to reach 40C in southern France. Météo-France has issued red alerts for forest fires in the country's south, citing a "very high" risk due to the dry conditions. Since the summer season began, nearly 7,000 fires have erupted, burning approximately 8,700 hectares, leading to the evacuation of nearly 3,000 people from towns like Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and Canet-en-Roussillon.

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the risk of an outbreak was "very high" compared to summer norms.