PARIS—France's national public health agency said a record heatwave that swept the country in late June was associated with more than 1,000 excess deaths, underscoring the severe health impact of one of Europe's most intense periods of extreme heat on record.
Santé publique France said preliminary mortality surveillance showed a sharp rise in deaths during the heatwave, with excess mortality exceeding 1,000 compared with expected levels. The agency stressed the figures remain provisional because they are based on incomplete mortality data and will be refined as additional records are consolidated.
The health agency reported that mortality increased most sharply in areas placed under the highest heat alerts and among older people, while deaths occurring at home also rose significantly during the hottest days. It said a full epidemiological assessment would be published after more complete mortality data become available.
French authorities said the heatwave brought record temperatures across large parts of the country before thunderstorms ended the prolonged spell of extreme heat in several regions. Santé publique France also recorded hundreds of daily emergency department visits and hospital admissions linked to heat-related illnesses during subsequent heat episodes in July.
Scientists and public health experts have warned that heat-related mortality is often underestimated because extreme temperatures can worsen underlying medical conditions rather than being recorded as the direct cause of death. Preliminary European estimates indicate the broader heatwave resulted in thousands of excess deaths across several countries.
French health authorities said monitoring of mortality and health impacts is continuing, and the confirmed toll may be updated as additional verified data are incorporated.
