Death toll from last summer's French heatwaves nearly 6,000

"A total 5,722 people died as a direct result of the summer heat in 2025, the third hottest summer on record and one which featured two severe extended heatwaves in late June/early July and in the middle of August, a Santé Publique France report shows. Of those fatalities, more than 1,900 were attributed directly to heat exposure - which represented 12 percent of all deaths during the periods of high heat."

"Deaths were observed across all age groups, but predominantly among people aged 75 and over, who accounted for nearly three-quarters of deaths throughout the summer and during heatwaves. Hospitals, meanwhile, reported more than 24,000 visits to their Urgences departments for conditions related to the heat, particularly among older people. Those aged 75 and over accounted for 53 percent of all emergency room visits."

"The country baked under four heatwaves - the ones between June 19th and July 6th, and between August 8th and 19th were particularly severe, affecting 80 percent of the population across 69 départements. The average temperature during last year's summer months was 1.9C above the 1991-2020 average, according to national forecaster Météo-France."

France experienced 5,722 deaths directly caused by high temperatures during summer 2025, marking the third hottest summer on record. Two severe heatwaves occurred in late June/early July and mid-August, affecting 80 percent of the population across 69 departments. Over 1,900 deaths resulted directly from heat exposure, representing 12 percent of all deaths during high-temperature periods. People aged 75 and over accounted for nearly three-quarters of fatalities and 53 percent of emergency room visits. Hospitals recorded more than 24,000 emergency visits for heat-related conditions, while nine fatal workplace accidents were possibly linked to heat on days exceeding 35°C. Average summer temperatures were 1.9°C above the 1991-2020 baseline.

Read at The Local France