France experienced more than 5,700 excess deaths during an unprecedented early summer heat wave, marking the deadliest heat-related toll in over two decades, Public Health France announced on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Between June 17 and July 2, the agency had expected 15,910 deaths but recorded 21,674, resulting in 5,764 excess deaths — 36% higher than anticipated. During this period, temperatures climbed well above 104 degrees Fahrenheit in many parts of the country.
"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.
The Paris region was the hardest hit, with 1,999 excess deaths — more than 80% above what would have been expected without the heat wave. 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.
Public Health France noted that 2026 recorded the country's highest excess mortality linked to a heat wave since 2003.
Officials also reported that across Europe, more than 10,000 excess deaths occurred during the peak of the heat wave, though these preliminary figures are expected to be updated in the coming weeks.
Tourists enjoy cooling off at a public water fountain in Paris, Friday, June 26, 2026. (Christophe Ena)
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