France records over 7,300 excess deaths amid unprecedented summer heatwaves
Health officials report more than 7,300 excess deaths during a series of intense heatwaves that have battered France since mid-June.
France has endured three successive heatwaves—14 days in June, 16 days in July and a current 22-day spell that began in late July—resulting in a record 52 heatwave days since mid-June. Health authorities say the excess mortality reaches 7,307, with 1,243 deaths between July 2 and 22, 5,764 from June 17-30 and 300 during a late-May heat period. Nearly 75% of the additional deaths involve people 75 years old or older, though the impact extends to all ages from 45 upward.
The deaths are recorded across all causes and cannot yet be directly attributed to the heat, with final figures due in autumn. One outlet's analysis of Meteo-France data shows the 2026 heatwave duration surpasses previous records, including the deadly 2003 summer, and June 24-25 marked the hottest average days ever recorded across mainland France.
Why it matters
The surge highlights the growing public-health threat of extreme heat in Europe.
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