France reported more than 5,700 excess deaths during a historic summer heat wave, the country’s highest heat-related death toll in over 20 years, Public Health France said Wednesday.
From June 17 to July 2, health officials had anticipated 15,910 deaths. Instead, 21,674 were recorded — a gap of 5,764 excess deaths, or 36% above expected levels.
As the heat wave gripped the country, temperatures surged past 104 degrees Fahrenheit in many regions, according to Public Health France.
“This unprecedented event, characterized by its early onset, intensity and duration, exposed almost the entire population to extreme heat during a period that was still largely dedicated to school and work activities,” the agency said.
Tourists cool off at a public water fountain in Paris on Friday, June 26, 2026. (Christophe Ena)
The rise in deaths was seen across all settings, including hospitals, private residences and nursing homes, as the extreme temperatures placed added strain on vulnerable people and health services.
Public Health France’s analysis covered people age 15 and older, with mortality beginning to climb among those 45 and above. Adults 75 and older made up about two-thirds of the preliminary toll, accounting for at least 3,719 excess deaths.
The Paris region suffered the most severe impact, with 1,999 excess deaths — more than 80% higher than would have been expected without the heat wave, the agency reported.
Public Health France said 2026 recorded the country’s highest excess mortality linked to a heat wave since 2003. The National Institute of Health and Medical Research estimated that roughly 15,000 more people died compared to the usual mortality for that time of year.
Tourists cool off at a public water fountain in Paris, Friday, June 26, 2026. (Christophe Ena)
This year, the hottest days occurred on June 24 and June 25, when the national average temperature reached 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Peak temperatures also climbed above 104 degrees in many areas.
More than half of the excess deaths — about 56% — occurred during or immediately after the most intense stretch of the heat wave between June 25 and June 27.
Officials also said more than 10,000 excess deaths were reported across Europe during the peak of the heat wave, though the preliminary figures are expected to be updated in the coming weeks.
People cool off in a fountain in Paris during a major heat wave. (Abdul Saboor/Reuters)
According to The Associated Press, funeral directors in Paris said they were inundated by the surge in bodies awaiting burial or cremation, with some mortuaries reaching capacity and turning down new arrivals.
Health officials noted that the excess mortality estimate includes deaths from all causes that occurred during the heat wave. The figures remain provisional and will continue to be refined in the coming weeks.
