Key Points

Following the two heat waves at the start of summer (June–July 2017), a third heat wave triggered the yellow and orange alert levels specified in the National Heat Wave Plan (PNC) and affected the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur (PACA), Corsica, Occitanie, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in France between July 31 and August 8, 2017. This heat wave affected the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region from July 31 to August 6, with:

• A heatwave in four departments of the region (Ardèche, Drôme, Isère, Rhône),

• An observed number of deaths (all causes combined) that increased while remaining within the usual range observed for the general population (all ages). Regardless of age group, no significant excess was observed.

• A modest impact on healthcare utilization for heat-related conditions: - 154 emergency room visits, primarily among people aged 75 and older and those aged 15–64; 70% of visits were followed by hospitalization (79% for those aged 75 and older)- 34 SOS Médecins consultations, also predominantly among people aged 75 and older and those aged 15–64.