
10 days · 3 summary articles
France records 5,764 excess deaths in June-July heatwave: wildfires force evacuations in south
Europe heatwave kills nearly 10,000, mostly elderly, officials say
Europe records over 10,000 excess deaths in late-June heatwave, most among elderly
France recorded 5,764 excess deaths during a heatwave from June 17 to July 2, 2026, according to the country's public health agency. The heatwave, which saw temperatures reach nearly 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.8 degrees Celsius) in some areas, was particularly deadly for the elderly, with people aged 75 and older accounting for two-thirds of the estimated death toll.
The Paris region, Île-de-France, was the hardest hit, with 1,999 unexpected deaths, which is around 80% more than would otherwise have been expected without a heatwave. Public Health France stated that the excess mortality was higher in regions with higher temperatures.
In addition to the health impacts, the heatwave also caused wildfires in southern France. A rapidly spreading wildfire in Var department burned 2,500 hectares and forced 400 people to evacuate their homes. Firefighters worked through the night to control the blaze, which was not contained by Wednesday morning. The wildfire affected areas around Ponteves, Cotignac, Sillans-la-Cascade, Correns, and Montfort-sur-Argens.
The heatwave and its consequences have raised concerns about public health and the need for better preparedness for extreme weather events. Public health authorities are expected to review the effectiveness of existing heatwave response plans and encourage local communities to strengthen support for elderly and vulnerable residents during future extreme weather events.
Follow us for live European news
6 further sources not geolocated