PARIS—France's public health agency said a record-breaking heat wave that swept across much of the country in late June was associated with an estimated 5,764 excess deaths, underscoring the mounting human toll of increasingly severe extreme weather across Europe.
Santé publique France said the preliminary estimate covers the period from June 17 to July 2, when 92 mainland departments, representing about 98.5% of France's population, experienced prolonged extreme heat. The agency said the excess mortality represented a 36.2% increase above expected deaths during the affected period and marked the highest heat-related excess mortality recorded since the devastating 2003 heat wave, although it remained below the mortality level seen that year.
The agency said the episode was unprecedented because of its combination of early timing, intensity and duration, exposing nearly the entire population while schools and workplaces remained fully active. More than half of the estimated excess deaths occurred between June 25 and June 27, when temperatures reached their peak.
People aged 75 and older accounted for about two-thirds of the preliminary excess deaths, with an estimated 3,719 fatalities above expected levels. However, Santé publique France said excess mortality was observed across every age group aged 15 and older, highlighting the broad health impact of the prolonged heat. Deaths increased in hospitals, private homes and nursing homes alike.
The Île-de-France region recorded the largest estimated increase, with nearly 2,000 excess deaths, while Corsica, Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur were less affected because they experienced less intense heat during the study period, the agency said.
Officials cautioned that the figures remain preliminary because they are based on unconsolidated mortality data collected three weeks after the heat wave ended. Santé publique France said a final assessment will be published after the completion of its summer surveillance programme later this year.
The findings come as Europe continues to face a summer marked by repeated heat waves and widespread wildfires. Scientists have identified Europe as the world's fastest-warming continent, with prolonged periods of extreme heat contributing to increased health risks, especially for older people and those with underlying medical conditions. Recent estimates from other European countries have also pointed to elevated heat-related mortality during the 2026 summer season.
French health authorities said the latest figures reinforce the importance of heat-warning systems, public health measures and protections for vulnerable populations as extreme heat events become more frequent. The agency said its final report later this year will provide consolidated mortality estimates for the entire summer.
