France records nearly 8,000 excess deaths since May amid four heatwaves

September 16, 2026 at 07:06 PM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

France's public health agency reported nearly 8,000 excess deaths since May across four heatwaves. The latest wave from July 27 to August 20 caused 817 excess deaths in 79 departments. The country experienced its hottest July on record, with average temperatures reaching 24.9°C.

Key Facts

France recorded nearly 8,000 excess deaths from May through August 2026 across four heatwaves.
The July 27–August 20 heatwave caused 817 excess deaths in 79 departments.
The July 3–22 heatwave resulted in 1,243 excess deaths.
July 2026 was France's hottest July since records began in 1900, with an average temperature of 24.9°C.
July 2026 was the third-driest July on record, with a 70% rainfall deficit.

Heatwave Death Toll

France's public health agency, Santé publique France, reported nearly 8,000 excess deaths from May through August 2026. The country experienced four distinct heatwaves during this period. The most recent heatwave, from July 27 to August 20, caused 817 excess deaths in 79 departments. The previous heatwave, from July 3 to July 22, resulted in 1,243 excess deaths. The agency calculates excess deaths by subtracting expected average mortality from total deaths during heatwave periods.

Record Heat and Drought

July 2026 was the hottest July in France since temperature records began in 1900. Average temperatures in July rose to 24.9°C. July 2026 was also the third-driest July on record, with a 70% rainfall deficit. The health agency uses excess mortality data to measure the impact of events like heatwaves and epidemics on public health.