Key Points

• According to Météo France, this was the longest and most intense late-summer heat wave on a national scale. An orange heat wave alert was in effect from August 12 to 25 and affected 56 departments (48% of the population). Between August 22 and 25, 19 departments were also placed under a red heat wave alert (18%). Numerous all-time temperature records were set for both highs and lows.

• Analysis of emergency care utilization indicates an increase in the iCanicule composite health indicator (including hyperthermia, dehydration, and hyponatremia) since the start of the heatwave. A more pronounced increase was observed starting August 19, with a peak in visits on August 23 for emergency rooms and August 24 for SOS Médecins, followed by a decrease in the days that followed. All age groups are affected, particularly people aged 75 and older in terms of hospitalizations.

• Heat poses a health risk to the entire population. The observed health impacts underscore the importance of implementing preventive measures to mitigate the effects of heat.