In brief
During the week of 22–28 June, France recorded a 29 % rise in deaths, amounting to 2,025 excess deaths, with a clear spike among those aged 45 and over. Paris saw temperatures reach almost 41 °C, prompting red heat alerts across half the country. Other European nations, including Belgium and the Netherlands, have also recorded significant excess deaths and heightened wildfire activity. Climate change is intensifying heatwaves, especially in Europe, which warms twice as fast as the global average. Authorities warn that further extreme temperatures are expected over the coming week, driving urgent public health and environmental responses.
France records 2,025 excess deaths during peak heatwave
France has announced a 29 % rise in deaths during the week of 22–28 June, amounting to 2,025 excess deaths, as the continent faces an unprecedented heatwave. The French health minister noted a clear increase in deaths among people over 45 years old.
Paris endured the hottest day ever on record with temperatures approaching 41 °C and a red heat alert was issued in half the country.
The heatwave has also seen an uptick in drowning deaths, with 72 fatalities reported since the 18th of June, and an unexpected surge in wildfires, especially in southern France.
Across Europe, Belgium logged 1,222 excess deaths with more than 39 % of them aged 85+, while the Netherlands reported about 480 excess deaths, almost all over 80, during a similar spell.
Meteorological forecasts suggest further heat is poised to spread to France and the southern part of Britain over the weekend, as a high‑pressure system pushes from the Azores. The Copernicus climate service notes Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, heightening summer heatwaves, water scarcity and wildfire risks.
Health authorities warn that the current death toll is likely an underestimate and that mortality could be higher as more data becomes available.
In the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal has declared an alert state, predicting temperatures to exceed 40 °C in some areas, while Spain’s southwest faces similar heat threats.
With the International Day of the Elderly approaching, communities are urged to safeguard vulnerable populations, stay hydrated, and keep indoor spaces cool.
