Key Points

• The orange heat wave alert began on August 8 and was still in effect on August 18. Between August 8 and 18, 87.3% of the French population was affected by at least one day of orange alert, and 16.5% by at least one day of red alert.

• Healthcare utilization for the iCanicule composite health indicator peaked between August 11 and 17, with a maximum of 286 emergency room visits and 67 SOS Médecins consultations across all age groups.

• The increases affected all age groups and were most pronounced among people over 75, followed by those aged 15–74, primarily due to hyperthermia/heatstroke in this age group.

• Heat poses a health risk to the entire population.