Key Points

• The heat wave began on June 15, 2022, and affected 71 departments. 70% of the metropolitan population experienced at least one day under an orange heat wave alert. Fourteen departments were also placed under a red heat wave alert for at least one day, representing 12.5% of the population.

• This heat wave was unprecedented in terms of its early onset and intensity. Several temperature records for the month of June—as well as all-time records—were set, against a backdrop of population exposure marked by the school year and workers still on the job.

• Analysis of emergency care utilization indicates an increase in the composite health indicator tracked under the heatwave and health alert system (iCanicule: hyperthermia and heatstroke, dehydration, and hyponatremia) from the start of the episode through June 18 for emergency departments and through June 19 for the activities of SOS Médecins.

• The observed health impacts underscore once again that heat is a health risk. It is important to implement the preventive measures recommended by the national heat wave management plan.