France Records 5,700 Excess Deaths In Early Summer Heat Wave
Public Health France announced on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, that an estimated 5,764 excess deaths occurred during a historic early summer heat wave between June 17 and July 2, 2026.[1]
Officials recorded 21,674 deaths in that period, versus an expected 15,910, a 36% increase in mortality.[1] Adults 75 and older accounted for at least 3,719 excess deaths, about two-thirds of the total, and risks rose from age 45.[1] The Paris region saw 1,999 excess deaths, more than 80% above expected levels.[1] Authorities said over 10,000 excess deaths occurred across Europe during the peak of the heat event.[1] Officials called France's toll the worst since the 2003 heat wave.[1]
Between June 17 and July 2, prolonged high temperatures hit much of France and neighboring countries, pushing mortality sharply above seasonal expectations and concentrating harms among older adults.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Public Health France announced an estimated 5,764 excess deaths from a heat wave between June 17 and July 2, 2026.
- Officials recorded 21,674 deaths during that period versus an expected 15,910, a 36% increase in mortality.
- Adults 75 and older accounted for at least 3,719 excess deaths, about two-thirds of the total, with risks rising from age 45.
- The Paris region saw 1,999 excess deaths, more than 80% above expected levels during the heat wave.
- Authorities said over 10,000 excess deaths occurred across Europe during the peak of the heat event, and the national toll is the worst since the 2003 heat wave.
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