France measures more than 7,300 excess deaths – and counting – during historic heatwaves
Summary
France has recorded more than 7,300 extra deaths during a record-breaking heatwave period in the summer of 2026. The country experienced 52 days of heatwaves since mid-June, with extreme temperatures causing health risks, especially for older people.Key Facts
- France faced three major heatwaves: 14 days in June, 16 days in July, and a 22-day wave starting in late July.
- A total of 7,307 excess deaths were recorded during these heatwaves up to mid-August 2026.
- About 75% of these deaths involved people aged 75 and older, but deaths affected those aged 45 and over as well.
- The heatwaves lasted much longer than previous years, with 52 heatwave days compared to 33 in 2022 and 22 in 2003.
- June 24 and 25, 2026, were the hottest days ever recorded across mainland France on average.
- The late July heatwave is the second-longest on record, lasting at least 22 days.
- France has limited air-conditioning, which makes coping with extreme heat more difficult in some areas.
- The heatwaves in Europe are linked to human-driven climate change, causing droughts and wildfires.
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