France Records 5,764 Excess Deaths During June-July Heatwave Period

Jul 22, 2026

France recorded 5,764 excess deaths from all causes during an intense heatwave between June 17 and July 2, 2026, marking the highest toll since 2003. Over half of these deaths occurred during a peak three-day window from June 25 to June 27, with elderly citizens aged 75 and older accounting for two-thirds of the mortality. The public health crisis coincided with severe wildfires across southern Europe, including a 32,000-hectare blaze in Spain's Guadalajara region that forced 1,200 evacuations.

France heatwave excess mortality

▪The excess mortality recorded in France between June 17 and July 2, 2026, is the highest from any heatwave since 2003.
▪The Paris region was the hardest hit in France, recording 1,999 unexpected deaths, which is about 80% more than anticipated.
▪People aged 75 and older accounted for approximately two-thirds of the excess mortality recorded in France during the heatwave.
▪Just over half of the excess deaths in France occurred during a three-day peak period from June 25 to June 27, 2026.
▪France recorded 5,764 excess deaths from all causes between June 17 and July 2, 2026, representing a 36% increase in mortality.

Spain Guadalajara wildfire evacuation

▪Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Spain had suffered 22 major wildfires so far in 2026, four times more than the same period last year.
▪A wildfire in Spain's Guadalajara region burned approximately 32,000 hectares, forcing the evacuation of 1,200 people from 34 villages.

European climate emergency

▪Extreme temperatures across Europe during the early heatwave resulted in well over 10,000 more deaths than normally expected.
▪Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent, where human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Wildfire prevention measures

▪Greek authorities banned outdoor work during peak midday sun hours as temperatures were forecast to exceed 41 degrees Celsius.
▪French authorities urged the public to avoid using barbecues in heatwave areas, noting that nine out of 10 wildfires start from human activity.

Extreme heat public health

▪Nearly half of the individuals who died in France during the heatwave passed away in hospitals, while about a third died at home.
▪Public Health France noted that the early onset, intensity, and duration of the heatwave exposed nearly the entire population to extreme heat during active school and work periods.