France Records Over 7,300 Excess Deaths Amid Record Summer Heatwaves

France has recorded more than 7,300 excess deaths during heatwaves so far this year, according to health authorities and an analysis by Agence France-Presse. The total includes 1,243 deaths between July 2 and 22, 5,764 deaths from June 17 to 30, and 300 deaths during a period of high temperatures in late May. The Health Ministry noted that nearly three quarters of these extra deaths involved people aged 75 and over, though the deaths affected all age groups from 45 and over. Authorities stated that these figures are for all causes and cannot yet be definitively attributed to the heat, with final figures expected in the autumn.

The country has endured a record 52 days of heatwaves since mid June, consisting of three successive spells: 14 days in June, 16 days in July, and a third spell beginning in late July that lasted at least 22 days. This duration far exceeds the 33 heatwave days recorded in 2022 and the 22 days seen in 2003. According to the national temperature indicator, June 24 and 25 were the hottest days ever recorded on average across mainland France, reaching 30 degrees Celsius.

While the 2003 heatwave remains the most severe based on intensity and duration, and contributed to more than 15,000 deaths, the current year has set new milestones for the number of heatwave days. Reports indicate that parts of France are ill equipped to deal with such heat due to a scarcity of air conditioning. Beyond France, western Europe experienced its hottest start to summer on record, with recurring heatwaves causing drought and wildfires fueled by global warming.