5,700 more deaths than usual recorded in France during heat wave
Summary
France experienced a historic heat wave in June and early July 2026, which caused at least 5,700 more deaths than usual. The highest number of excess deaths occurred during the hottest days from June 25 to June 27, with the Paris region being the hardest hit.Key Facts
- French public health officials recorded 21,674 deaths from all causes between June 17 and July 2, 2026, in regions affected by the heat wave.
- Without the heat wave, these regions would have expected about 15,910 deaths, so there were approximately 5,764 excess deaths.
- The excess death rate was 36% higher than normal, the highest since the deadly 2003 heat wave in France.
- June 24 and 25, 2026, were France’s hottest days ever, with an average temperature of 86°F and peak temperatures over 104°F in many areas.
- Around half of the extra deaths happened during and just after the hottest three days (June 25-27).
- The Paris region had about 1,999 more deaths than expected, about 80% above normal.
- Hospitals and mortuaries struggled to handle the large number of heat-related cases and deaths.
- Across Europe, early and extreme heat in June 2026 led to over 10,000 additional deaths compared to normal for that time of year.
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