Key Points

• The Centre-Val de Loire region experienced two heat waves, the first occurring during the second half of August and the second during the first half of September 2023. During these heat waves, biometeorological alert thresholds were exceeded in three of the six departments (Cher and Indre in August, Indre-et-Loire in September). A significant impact on health was observed during these periods:

  • 14 SOS Médecins calls for the iCanicule indicator were recorded regionally, as well as 115 emergency room visits for the iCanicule indicator, 73 of which were followed by hospitalization. Use of emergency care accounted for up to 1.0% of daily SOS Médecins calls and 0.5% of daily emergency room visits. People aged 75 and older remained the most affected during the two heatwave episodes.

  • Across the two heatwave periods that particularly affected our region, it is estimated that 7.4% of observed deaths (n = 17 deaths) were attributable to the heat. The vast majority (n = 15 deaths, or 88%) involved people aged 75 and older.

• Link to the infographic