Key Points

• The orange heat wave alert began on August 6 and ended on August 15. A first weekly bulletin was published for the period from August 6 to 12 (point #3). This bulletin (point 4) covers the period from August 12 to 15, to account for the consolidation of data from August 12 and the end of the heatwave. During this period from August 12 to 15, the orange alert affected 45 departments in 10 regions, representing 54% of the population. The Olympic Games had concluded as of August 11.

• Analysis of emergency care utilization (SOS-médecins and hospital emergency departments) indicates an increase during the heatwave for the composite health indicator iCanicule (heatstroke/hyperthermia, dehydration, hyponatremia), particularly on August 12, 13, and 14, which recorded the highest numbers across all age groups. Starting on August 15, emergency care use declined despite a temporary increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations on the 16th.

• The majority of hospitalizations following an emergency room visit due to iCanicule involved people aged 75 and older.

• The observed health impacts underscore that heat is a health risk, especially since health effects can be delayed by a few days and increase with continuous exposure over several days. It is important to implement preventive measures aimed at protecting the population.