France records 2,025 excess deaths at peak of heatwave as Europe braces for more extreme weather
France's health agency reported 2,025 excess deaths between June 22 and 28, while Belgium and the Netherlands also saw significant mortality increases during the scorching heatwave.
France has registered a sharp rise in deaths linked to the prolonged heatwave. Public Health France announced on Friday that from June 22 to 28, there were 2,025 more deaths than average – an increase of nearly 30%. In the Paris region alone, mortality jumped by 62%. The French health ministry said these figures are likely an underestimate, and the actual death toll will be higher.
Drowning deaths also surged: Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said on Saturday that 72 people had drowned since June 18. Forecasters predict even hotter weather ahead, with temperatures reaching 40°C in southern France, and 36–37°C around Bordeaux, Toulouse and Agen. Météo-France has issued red alerts for Friday and Saturday for forest fires, warning that conditions are “very high” risk compared to summer norms.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Thursday that nearly 7,000 fires have broken out since the start of summer, burning about 8,700 hectares. Nearly 3,000 people were evacuated after a wildfire started in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and spread to Canet-en-Roussillon on Thursday.
Other European countries have also been hit hard. Belgium recorded 1,222 excess deaths – 39% above normal – with almost half among people aged 85 or older. The Dutch authorities reported about 480 excess deaths last week, most among those over 80, in the south and east where temperatures reached nearly 40°C.
BBC Weather says a large high-pressure area is building from the Azores toward Portugal and Spain, and by the weekend heat will climb across France and southern Britain. Climate change is driving up temperatures, with Europe warming twice as fast as the global average, leading to more summer heatwaves, water stress, and intense wildfires.
