France Saw 5,764 More Deaths Than Usual During Late June Heatwave

France experienced its highest excess mortality since 2003 during a heatwave in late June and early July, with 5,764 more deaths than usual recorded between June 17 and July 2. The total observed deaths reached 21,674, a 36.2% increase compared to the expected 15,910 for that period.

The state health agency, Santé publique France, reported that over half of these excess deaths occurred between June 25 and 27, coinciding with the peak of the heatwave. The elderly were disproportionately affected, with individuals aged 75 and older representing two-thirds of the provisional death toll, amounting to at least 3,719 excess fatalities.

All French regions reported an excess of mortality, with the exception of Corsica, Occitania, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, which experienced less intense heat. The most populous region, Île de France, which includes Paris, registered the highest excess mortality with 1,999 deaths, an 81.2% increase.

Santé publique France had previously released provisional figures for the second heatwave of the summer, focusing on the week of June 22-28, which showed approximately 2,000 more deaths compared to the preceding week. The current figures are still provisional and highlight the significant impact of extreme weather events on public health.

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This excess mortality from all causes during a heatwave episode is the highest observed since 2003, although without reaching its levels