Heatwave in France claims around 5,800 dead within two weeks

Regional distribution of deaths

According to the information, elderly people aged 75 and over were particularly affected, accounting for two-thirds of the additional deaths. Specifically, there were 3,719 additional fatalities in this age group. But mortality rose not only among seniors: in the 45-to-64 age group, overall mortality increased by 55.4 percent, meaning 979 additional deaths. SpF emphasised that, although the excess mortality mainly concerned older people, it affected "de manière inédite" all age groups from 15 upwards.

Age of those affected

The heatwave, during which heat records were broken in France and temperatures frequently exceeded 40 degrees, extended over the period from 17 June to 2 July. More than half (56 percent) of the additional deaths were concentrated in three days, from 25 to 27 June. The rise in deaths became clearly visible from 22 June and peaked on 26 June.

98.5 percent of the population of mainland France were exposed to this unprecedented heatwave according to SpF data. The heat exposure was less intense only in Corsica, Occitania and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The agency classifies the event as "inédit depuis la canicule de 2003" – that is, as unprecedented since the 2003 heatwave.

The additional deaths were distributed across all types of locations: hospitals, private homes and nursing homes (Ehpad). Of the 21,674 deaths recorded during the observation period, 16 percent were in nursing homes.

Prevention measures by the authorities

Following the 2003 heatwave, France massively expanded health prevention during heat periods. Municipalities and cities are taking additional measures, such as opening spaces for cooling down for the population. Particular attention is paid to elderly people, especially when they live alone at home.

SpF announced that the final consolidated estimate of excess mortality for the entire summer would only be published after the end of the summer heat period. This means that the figures now presented could still be corrected upwards or downwards.

The report was published on 22 July 2026 by the news agency APA. After the publication of this first assessment, it became clear that the impact of the June heat in France, while serious, falls short of the scale of the 2003 catastrophe.