Key Points

• Mainland France and Corsica experienced a heat wave in late June and early July that was notable for its duration and early onset, affecting nearly the entire territory. The first heat wave of the summer lasted from June 19 to July 6 and affected 60 departments, representing 74% of the resident population in mainland France.

• At least 480 excess deaths from all causes (+5.5%) were estimated during this heatwave in the affected departments. People aged 75 and older account for nearly all of this provisional toll, with 410 excess deaths (+6.7%).

• This initial estimate, produced two weeks after the end of the heatwave, is based on unconsolidated all-cause mortality data (data as of July 22). The complete estimate of excess all-cause mortality, supplemented by the estimate of heat-attributable mortality, will be available in the summer report compiled after the end of the monitoring period.

• The observed health impacts underscore the importance of implementing preventive measures to mitigate the impact of heat, not only during heat waves but throughout the summer, and the need for a strengthened climate change adaptation strategy at both the national and regional levels.