Key Points

During the heat wave monitoring period in the summer of 2016, Brittany experienced two heat waves: - July 17–19: this heatwave affected the entire region, with a yellow heatwave alert issued for all four departments; - August 22–24, with a yellow heatwave alert issued for the department of Ille-et-Vilaine.

Health effects associated with the first episode were observed throughout the region. There was an increase in healthcare utilization for heat-related conditions, as well as a spike in mortality, particularly in Finistère. This health impact suggests the need to implement public information and protection measures as soon as a yellow heatwave alert is issued, as the population of Brittany is not accustomed to extreme heat.

The national report on health surveillance of heatwaves and high temperatures during the summer of 2016 is available on the Santé publique France website.

The 2017 National Heatwave Plan (PNC) has been in effect since June 1, 2017.