France recorded 5,764 excess deaths during a two-week heatwave between June 17 and July 2, according to the country’s public health agency, highlighting the growing health risks posed by increasingly intense summer temperatures across Europe.

During the period, 21,674 people died compared with the 15,910 deaths normally expected for those dates, representing a 36 per cent increase in mortality. Health authorities said the figure reflects excess deaths, a statistical measure comparing observed deaths with historical averages, and does not mean every death was directly caused by heat.

Mortality Rose Sharply During Peak Heat

According to the public health agency, the deadliest phase of the heatwave occurred between June 25 and June 27, when temperatures reached their highest levels across much of the country.

Officials explained that extreme heat can aggravate existing medical conditions, including cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney diseases, contributing to higher mortality even when heatstroke is not listed as the direct cause of death.

The updated estimate is substantially higher than the preliminary assessment released earlier this month, which had indicated around 2,000 excess deaths. Authorities said the revised figure reflects a more complete analysis of mortality data.

Elderly Most Affected

People aged 75 years and above accounted for nearly two-thirds of the excess deaths recorded during the heatwave.

Nearly half of the deaths occurred in hospitals, while others were reported in nursing homes and private residences.

The Paris region recorded the highest impact, with almost 2,000 more deaths than normally expected during the two-week period.

Heatwaves Becoming a Growing Public Health Threat

France’s latest figures come as Europe experiences another summer marked by prolonged periods of extreme heat.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves across the continent, making them one of Europe’s most significant climate-related health risks.

Unlike floods or storms, heatwaves often prove deadly by worsening underlying illnesses and placing additional strain on the heart, lungs and other organs, with older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions facing the greatest risk.

Lessons From Past Heatwaves

The 2003 European heatwave, which claimed an estimated more than 70,000 lives across the continent, remains one of the deadliest climate-related disasters in modern European history.

Although many countries have since strengthened heat-health warning systems and emergency response plans, the latest mortality figures from France indicate that extreme heat continues to pose a serious public health challenge as temperatures rise across Europe.

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