France reports around 1,000 additional deaths during record heat wave

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Berlin, June 29

France recorded around 1,000 additional deaths during last week’s record-breaking heat wave, with the majority of victims aged above 65, according to the country’s public health agency. The surge in deaths was reported as Europe witnessed unprecedented temperatures, with several countries recording their hottest days on record.

Public Health France said daily deaths rose sharply during the heat wave’s peak. More than 1,200 deaths were recorded on Wednesday when temperatures reached extreme levels, followed by more than 1,400 deaths on each of the next two days.

The agency estimated that France experienced at least 1,000 additional deaths during those three days alone compared with normal mortality levels. It said the number could rise further as more data, including deaths reported from homes, is analysed.

The increase was most significant in areas placed under red heat warnings, which covered nearly three-quarters of France during the peak of the heat wave. Around 85 percent of the reported deaths involved people aged 65 years and above.

The extreme weather conditions also affected other parts of Europe. Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic recorded their highest-ever temperatures, with readings exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Germany recorded 41.7 degrees Celsius in Neißemunde near the Polish border, while Poland reached a new national record of 40.5 degrees Celsius. The Czech Republic also recorded its hottest day at 41.9 degrees Celsius.

A study by World Weather Attribution, a Europe-based group of climate scientists, found that the record-breaking heat and humidity experienced across Europe would have been almost impossible five decades ago without the impact of climate change. The study said such extreme heat events are now significantly more likely than in the past.

World Health Organisation Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world, heating at twice the global average.

“Europe is the fastest warming continent on Earth, heating at twice the global average,” Tedros said in a post on X, adding that millions of people are facing extreme heat conditions.

He described heat stress as a “silent killer” and urged European countries to strengthen preparedness, prevention measures, and healthcare responses to address rising temperatures.

Tedros said more than 1,300 excess deaths linked to high temperatures had already been recorded across Europe since June 21, highlighting the growing health impact of climate change.

The continuing heat wave has raised concerns over the need for stronger heat action plans, as experts warn that extreme temperatures are becoming more frequent due to global warming.