France has experienced over 7,300 excess deaths during the 2026 summer heatwaves from late May through July 22, according to public health data [1, 2, 3]. The country broke previous records with 52 days of heatwaves since mid-June, surpassing those set in 2022 and 2003 [1, 2].
The 2026 summer saw three main consecutive heatwaves. The first wave lasted 14 days in June, the second 16 days in early July, and a third began in late July, continuing for 22 days as of August 18 [1, 2]. Excess mortality during these periods was uneven. The June 17-July 2 heatwave caused between 5,764 and nearly 5,800 excess deaths, according to different sources [1, 2, 3, 4]. The July 3-22 heatwave resulted in 1,243 excess deaths, about four times fewer than the earlier wave [3, 4]. Earlier, around 300 deaths were linked to a heat period in late May [1, 2, 3].
Elderly individuals were disproportionately affected, with about three-quarters of excess deaths occurring among people aged 75 and older. Mortality also rose among those over 45 [1, 2, 4]. Regional impacts varied. The southeast and Corsica did not report excess deaths during the June heatwave, while Paris, Grand Est, and Pays de la Loire saw the highest increases [3].
Public Health France emphasized that excess mortality counts include all causes of death and cannot yet be conclusively attributed solely to heat effects. Guillaume Boulanger of Public Health France said, "Specific studies of death certificates will be needed to analyze the causes and profiles" [1, 2, 3, 4].
France remains in another ongoing heatwave as of August 19, adding to heat exposure but with full impact still to be determined [1, 3]. Authorities continue monitoring mortality and health risks linked to the prolonged hot conditions.
