France recorded at least 5,700 more deaths than usual during a historic heatwave in June, the nation's public health agency reported Wednesday. This figure represents a sharp increase from initial estimates of the mortality toll attributed to record-shattering temperatures.
Public Health France stated that regions experiencing the heatwave from June 17 to July 2 saw a total of 21,674 deaths from all causes. Statistical modeling based on previous years indicated that approximately 15,910 deaths would have been expected in those same regions without the extreme heat. The difference of 5,764 deaths is therefore classified as "excess" mortality during the heatwave period.
This excess mortality rate, marking a 36% increase over expected deaths, is the highest recorded from any heatwave in France since 2003, when a severe heatwave resulted in an estimated 15,000 deaths.
During the heatwave, France registered its hottest days on record on June 24 and June 25, with a national average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Many areas experienced peak temperatures well above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), and nighttime temperatures also hit new records.
Approximately half of the excess deaths occurred during and in the immediate days following the hottest period, specifically from June 25 to June 27. The Paris region was disproportionately affected, reporting 1,999 unexpected deaths, which is about 80% more than would have been anticipated without the heatwave.
Of the over 21,600 individuals who died, nearly half passed away in hospitals. About a third died at home, while the remainder were primarily residents of care homes for the elderly.