Key Points

• The summer of 2025 ranks as the third-hottest summer since 1900, with an average temperature 1.9°C above the 1991–2020 normal, according to Météo-France. France experienced four heat waves, including two notable ones that occurred from June 19 to July 6 and from August 8 to 19. Sixty-nine departments experienced at least one heat wave, affecting 80% of the population.

• More than 24,000 emergency care visits related to the iCanicule composite health indicator (including heatstroke, dehydration, and hyponatremia) were recorded during the summer, particularly during heatwaves (a 2.9-fold increase in emergency room visits and a 6.5-fold increase in SOS Médecins consultations). All age groups were affected, particularly people aged 75 and older, who accounted for 53% of emergency room visits for the iCanicule indicator.

• More than 5,700 deaths were attributable to heat exposure across the entire summer monitoring period, representing over 3% of all-cause mortality observed. During heatwave episodes, more than 1,900 deaths were attributable to heat exposure, representing over 12% of all-cause mortality observed during these episodes. Deaths were observed across all age groups, but predominantly—and accounting for nearly three-quarters—among people aged 75 and older, both throughout the summer and during heatwave episodes.

• Nine fatal workplace accidents potentially linked to heat were reported by the General Directorate of Labor. These fatal workplace accidents involved 8 men and 1 woman, aged 35 to 63. Six of these fatal workplace accidents occurred during professional activities in construction and related trades or agriculture.

• To reach a wider audience, a pilot program was launched this year to display prevention messages on digital advertising screens in local venues (healthcare facilities, neighborhood stores, train stations, subways, etc.).

• The observed health impacts highlight the importance of implementing preventive measures at the individual level to reduce the health impact of heat, not only during heat waves but also throughout the summer. These health impacts also underscore the need to address environmental factors through a strengthened climate change adaptation strategy at both the national and regional levels.