- France has recorded more than 5,700 excess deaths during its historic summer heat wave, marking the country's deadliest heat-related toll in more than two decades, Public Health France announced Wednesday.
- Between June 17 and July 2, the agency expected 15,910 deaths but instead recorded 21,674, resulting in 5,764 excess deaths which is 36% higher than expected.
- During the heat wave, temperatures climbed well above 104 degrees Fahrenheit in many parts of the country, according to Public Health France.
- The Paris region was hit hardest, recording 1,999 excess deaths — more than 80% above what would have been expected without the heat wave.
- More than half of the excess deaths — about 56% — occurred during or immediately after the most intense stretch of the heat wave between June 25 and June 27.
- The agency's analysis included people ages 15 and older, with mortality increasing beginning at age 45. Adults 75 and older accounted for roughly two-thirds of the provisional death toll, representing at least 3,719 excess deaths.
- Public Health France stated that 2026 recorded the country's highest excess mortality linked to a heat wave since 2003.
- According to The Associated Press, funeral directors in Paris reported being inundated by the surge in bodies awaiting burial or cremation, with some mortuaries reaching capacity.
France recorded 5,764 excess deaths during a historic heat wave from June 17 to July 2, according to Public Health France. This figure represents a 36% increase over expected mortality rates, marking the highest excess mortality linked to a heat wave since 2003.238
Temperatures soared above 104°F in many regions, with the Paris area suffering the most, accounting for 1,999 excess deaths, or over 80% more than anticipated. The agency noted that 56% of these deaths occurred during the most intense period from June 25 to June 27.5
The analysis included individuals aged 15 and older, revealing that adults aged 75 and older represented about two-thirds of the excess mortality, totaling at least 3,719 deaths. The National Institute of Health and Medical Research estimated that approximately 15,000 more people died compared to the usual mortality for that time of year.7
Public Health France described the event as unprecedented, highlighting its early onset, intensity, and duration, which exposed nearly the entire population to extreme heat during a time when many were engaged in school and work activities. Funeral directors in Paris reported being overwhelmed by the surge in bodies, with some mortuaries reaching capacity.
The agency's latest estimates are significantly higher than initial figures, indicating a troubling trend in heat-related mortality in France.
“The Paris region recorded 1,999 excess deaths, more than 80% above expected, with over half of all excess deaths occurring during the most intense three-day stretch from June 25 to 27. Adults 75 and older accounted for roughly two-thirds of the toll, and hospitals wrestled with a surge in heat-related ailments.”
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