Highest Excess Mortality Since 2003 Heat Crisis
France recorded 5,764 excess deaths during an exceptional heatwave that affected the country from June 17 to July 2.
Public Health France released the provisional figures on Wednesday.
The agency said this was the highest level of excess mortality recorded during a heatwave since the deadly summer of 2003.
However, officials stressed that all additional deaths cannot yet be directly attributed to extreme temperatures.
Further medical and statistical analysis will be required to confirm the relationship between the heatwave and individual deaths.
The figures remain provisional and will be updated during the coming months.
Excess mortality refers to the number of deaths recorded above the level normally expected during a specific period.
The measure allows health authorities to assess the wider impact of major emergencies, including heatwaves and disease outbreaks.
Deaths Rise Across Multiple Age Groups
The increase in deaths was recorded among all age groups from 15 years and older.
Public Health France reported a particularly sharp rise among people aged 45 and above.
The agency described this pattern as unprecedented.
Older adults are usually considered the most vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
However, the latest figures suggest the health impact was spread across a wider section of the population.
High temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
They can also worsen existing heart, lung and kidney conditions.
People living alone, outdoor workers and those without access to cooling systems may face greater risks.
Health officials are expected to study age, location and medical data before issuing a final assessment.
Updated Records Reveal Larger Death Toll
The latest total is significantly higher than earlier estimates.
Health Minister Stephanie Rist had reported at least 2,025 additional deaths between June 22 and June 28.
She warned at the time that the figure was incomplete.
The earlier count included only electronic death certificates received by authorities.
The updated assessment also includes paper certificates that had not previously been processed.
These records included cases involving people found dead inside their homes.
The additional information gave authorities a clearer picture of the heatwave’s possible human impact.
Public Health France said the complete figures would take several months to finalise.
The agency will continue reviewing death certificates and comparing mortality levels with historical averages.
The findings are expected to influence future heat emergency plans and public health warnings.
France has strengthened its heatwave response system since 2003, when extreme temperatures caused thousands of deaths.
Despite those measures, the latest figures show that prolonged heat remains a serious public health threat.
