Key Points

• During this period, 78 departments were affected by this heat wave, representing 78.5% of the population of mainland France. Although the intensity of the heat wave in July was lower than that at the end of June, this heat wave was exceptional in terms of its duration and geographic extent. According to Météo-France, July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in France since measurements began in 1900.
• Across all 78 departments, on days affected by a heat wave during this period, at least 1,243 excess deaths from all causes (+9.2%) were estimated based on the 14,713 observed deaths from all causes and the 13,470 expected deaths from all causes.
• Excess all-cause mortality was observed in all age groups 45 and older. People aged 75 and older accounted for three-quarters of the deaths in this preliminary report, with at least 917 excess deaths (+9.7%).
• All regions experienced excess all-cause mortality, with the exception of Corsica, whose population was exposed to less intense heat during the period. The region most affected by excess all-cause mortality is the Pays-de-la-Loire region, with 236 excess all-cause deaths (+21.4%).
• This initial estimate for the period from July 3 to 22 supplements the estimate for the heat wave from June 17 to July 2, which showed at least 5,764 excess deaths (mortality data as of July 20).
• These initial estimates were compiled three weeks after the end of the heat wave period under study (July 3 to July 22) and are based on unconsolidated all-cause mortality data. (Data as of August 18). 
• All-cause deaths observed during this heatwave episode increased across all settings: hospitals, homes, and nursing homes/retirement homes. 
• These findings underscore the importance of implementing management and prevention measures to mitigate the impact of heat on the population, without waiting to observe health impacts.