France Records 5,700 Excess Deaths During Historic June Heatwave, Worst Since 2003

France has reported more than 5,700 excess deaths during its historic June heatwave, making it the country's deadliest heatwave since 2003, according to the latest figures released by the national public health agency.

The agency said that 21,674 people died from all causes in regions affected by the extreme heat between June 17 and July 2. Based on historical trends and statistical modelling, only 15,910 deaths would normally have been expected during the same period. The difference of 5,764 additional deaths has been classified as excess mortality linked to the severe heat.

Officials said the excess mortality rate was 36% higher than expected, marking the highest increase recorded during any French heatwave since the devastating 2003 summer, when an estimated 15,000 people lost their lives.

France experienced its hottest days on record on June 24 and June 25, with the national average temperature reaching 30°C. Many parts of the country witnessed temperatures soaring above 40°C, while unusually warm nights offered little relief, worsening the impact on vulnerable populations.

According to the health agency, more than half of the unexpected deaths occurred during the three-day period between June 25 and June 27, when the heat reached its peak.

The Paris region suffered the heaviest losses, recording 1,999 excess deaths, around 80% more than normally expected during that time.

Nearly half of all deaths during the heatwave occurred in hospitals, while about one-third of the victims died at home. The remaining fatalities were reported mainly in care homes for older people, highlighting the disproportionate impact of extreme heat on the elderly and medically vulnerable.

The latest figures underscore the growing human cost of increasingly intense heatwaves and reinforce concerns over the need for stronger preparedness as extreme weather events become more frequent.