France recorded approximately 1,000 additional deaths last week as an extreme heat wave gripped the nation, according to the country's public health agency. The surge in fatalities coincided with record-breaking temperatures across Europe, fueling wildfires in Germany and straining infrastructure.
During the peak of the heat wave, France experienced over 1,200 deaths on Wednesday, with more than 1,400 recorded on each of the two subsequent days. This represents a significant increase from the average daily death rate of 900 to 1,000 in April and May, prior to the heatwave. The agency cautioned that the estimate of 1,000 additional deaths over the three days is likely to rise as more data becomes available, particularly for deaths occurring at home. The most substantial increases in mortality were observed in areas under red warnings for extreme heat, which encompassed about three-quarters of the country. Public Health France noted that 85% of these deaths involved individuals aged 65 and older.
People cool off at Trocadero fountain near the Eiffel Tower during a heat wave in Paris, Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Continental Impact of Extreme Heat
Across Europe, temperature records were toppled over the weekend as the heat wave shifted eastward. Germany reported a new nighttime temperature record in Kubschütz, Saxony, where the temperature did not fall below 29.4 degrees Celsius (84.9 Fahrenheit). This followed a daytime record of 41.5 C (106.7 F) in Möckern-Drewitz, Saxony-Anhalt, preliminary data from the German Weather Service indicated. The previous daytime record had been set just a day earlier.
The extreme heat also exacerbated existing hazards in Germany. In Gohrischheide, a forest fire ignited in an area contaminated with unexploded World War II ammunition, complicating firefighting efforts. A similar situation occurred near Traisen, where a forest fire prompted a temporary suspension of firefighting operations due to explosions and the involvement of an ordnance disposal unit.
Urban areas faced their own challenges. Berlin's fire department reported an additional 500 ambulance dispatches on Saturday, primarily for heat-related illnesses. In a unique measure, Berlin police deployed water cannons in front of the Brandenburg Gate to help cool down residents and tourists. The nation's infrastructure also suffered, with highways experiencing concrete surface damage and the national rail operator advising against non-essential travel due to heat-related disruptions.
In Leipzig, damage to tracks and switches caused by the high temperatures led to the suspension of tram services until early Monday morning.
Broader Climate Context
A rapid study by the World Weather Attribution collaboration concluded that the intense heat and humidity experienced in Europe this week would have been virtually impossible without the influence of climate change. The study suggested that such heat events are now 200 times more likely than they were 20 years ago, and would have been highly improbable just five decades prior.
Meanwhile, Greece issued a warning for a "very high fire risk" in five regions, while Denmark experienced heavy thunderstorms following its own record-breaking temperatures. By Sunday morning, Denmark had recorded 1,156 lightning strikes, according to broadcaster DR.