France records 5,764 excess deaths during June heatwave, highest since 2003

Provisional toll reaches 5,764 excess deaths

Santé publique France released provisional figures on 22 July showing 5,764 all-cause excess deaths during the heatwave that covered metropolitan France from 17 June to 2 July. The total represents a 36% increase over expected mortality, with 21,674 deaths observed in the 16-day period. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist had estimated just over 2,000 excess deaths on 3 July, but that count relied solely on electronic death certificates. The new figure incorporates paper certificates, which are still common for deaths at home, and the minister had warned that numbers would rise.

At least 2,025 additional deaths were recorded between 22 and 28 June, but the figures will certainly evolve in the coming weeks.

The agency described the excess mortality as the highest since the August 2003 heatwave, which caused 15,000 deaths over three weeks. The June 2026 episode was shorter but more intense, affecting 92 departments and 98.5% of the population of mainland France. It struck during a period of ongoing school and professional activity, which may have increased exposure.

Age and regional breakdown

All age groups from 15 years upward recorded excess deaths, a pattern Santé publique France called unprecedented. Two-thirds of the excess (3,719 deaths) were among people aged 75 and older. The 45–64 age group saw 979 excess deaths, a 55% jump, and the 15–44 group recorded 118 excess deaths, up 30%. The agency noted a marked increase starting at age 45.

The excess mortality is unprecedented for all age groups from 15 years upward.

Île-de-France was the hardest-hit region, with 1,999 excess deaths, meaning mortality doubled compared with normal levels. Centre-Val-de-Loire recorded a 62.6% increase (511 deaths), Pays de la Loire 55.2% (553 deaths), and Grand-Est 38.9%. Corsica, Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur were less exposed to the extreme heat.

Timeline of the deadliest days

The heatwave built from 17 June, with a marked mortality increase from 22 June. The hottest days ever recorded in France fell on 24 and 25 June, and half of all excess deaths occurred on or shortly after those two days. More than half (56%) of the excess deaths were concentrated in just three days, 25–27 June, with a peak on 26 June. Deaths rose in all settings: hospitals, retirement homes, and at home. The health minister reported a 91% increase in home deaths during the peak week compared with the previous week.

Data gaps and cumulative risks

The figures remain provisional and are not yet directly attributed to heat; a definitive analysis is expected in autumn. The earlier May heatwave (24–28 May) caused 300 excess deaths, and a third heatwave struck in mid-July. Repeated exposure to heatwaves exhausts the body, specialists warn, making vulnerable groups (children, the elderly, people in precarious situations, and those with chronic illnesses) particularly at risk. Last year, the full summer of 2025 recorded 5,700 heat-related deaths, but that figure covered a longer period and was specifically attributed to heat exposure, making direct comparisons difficult.