Key facts
- France recorded at least 817 excess deaths between July 27 and August 20.
- The total excess deaths in France since June have reached nearly 8,000.
- People aged 75 and older accounted for the majority of excess deaths.
- Excess deaths were observed in all age groups 45 and older.
- July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in France since measurements began in 1900.
- 78 departments, representing 78.5% of mainland France's population, were affected by a heat wave between July 3 and July 22.
France recorded at least 817 excess deaths between July 27 and August 20, a period marked by exceptionally high temperatures, according to the national health agency. This brings the total excess deaths since the start of June to nearly 8,000. The figures include all deaths regardless of cause and are based on death certificates issued during the periods of high temperatures.
People aged 75 and older represented the bulk of the excess mortality, accounting for at least 917 deaths during the July 3-22 heatwave. However, excess all-cause mortality was observed across all age groups 45 and older. The national health agency had previously reported 5,764 excess deaths from June 17 to July 2 and 1,243 excess deaths from July 3 to July 20.
July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in France since measurements began in 1900, with 78 departments affected by a heat wave between July 3 and July 22. Europe as a whole has experienced more extreme warming linked to human-induced climate change than any other continent this year, meteorologists have said.