Key Points

• The third heat wave of the summer occurred from August 11 to August 26, 2023, affecting 52 departments, 19 of which were under a red alert.

• Nearly 400 excess deaths from all causes (+5.4%) were estimated during this heat wave in the affected departments. People aged 75 and older were the age group most affected. This initial estimate, made two weeks after the end of the heat wave, is based on incomplete mortality data. (Data as of September 12, with approximately 95% of reports received).

• No fatal workplace accidents were reported by the General Directorate of Labor to Santé publique France for this episode.

• Beyond this episode, the French population has been exposed to heat and several heat waves since the start of summer. Thus, this estimate does not reflect the full impact of heat on health.

• Heat is a health risk, even outside of heatwave periods, requiring the implementation of management and prevention measures to reduce the impact of heat on the population.