France Reports Excess Deaths During Heatwave
France has reported an increase of over 2,000 deaths during the final week of a record-breaking European heatwave in June, as meteorologists warn of further extreme temperatures across the continent in the coming days.
Deaths increased by 29% in the last week of June compared to the previous week. French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist noted a
"clear increase"in deaths among individuals over 45 years old.
On 24 June, France experienced its hottest day on record nationwide, with temperatures reaching nearly 41°C in Paris. Approximately half of the country was placed under a red heat alert.
The announcement of the death toll coincides with preparations across Europe, including the United Kingdom, for additional intense heat expected from this weekend.
Heatwaves Impact UK and US
The UK is anticipating its third heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach 30°C. Meanwhile, the United States is enduring a dangerous heatwave ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, affecting millions with prolonged extreme heat and high humidity in central and eastern regions.
European Heatwave and Climate Change
BBC Weather reports a large high-pressure system is building from the Azores toward Portugal and Spain. By the weekend, temperatures are expected to rise across France and southern Britain.
Climate change is contributing to rising temperatures globally, with Europe warming twice as fast as the global average, according to the Copernicus climate service. This acceleration is leading to more frequent summer heatwaves, increased pressure on water resources, and more intense wildfires.
Heatwave Death Toll Across Europe
This summer's record temperatures have already resulted in significant mortality. Belgium recorded 1,222 excess deaths during the heatwave, representing a 39% increase over normal levels, with nearly half of the fatalities among those aged 85 and older. The Belgian health ministry described the death toll during the heatwave as
"unprecedented".
In France, Public Health France announced that deaths between 22 and 28 June rose by 2,025, nearly 30% higher than usual. The Paris region alone experienced a 62% increase in mortality. The French health ministry indicated that these figures are likely an
"underestimate"and that actual mortality will be higher than the initial data suggests.
Drowning deaths also surged during the heatwave. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported on Saturday that 72 people had died by drowning since 18 June.
In the Netherlands, unprecedented heat last week resulted in approximately 480 excess deaths, primarily among individuals aged 80 and older, according to Dutch authorities. Temperatures reached nearly 40°C in parts of the country, with most deaths occurring in the southern and eastern regions where temperatures were highest.
Forecast and Wildfire Risks
While the Netherlands expects cooler conditions in the coming week, hot weather is predicted to return over the weekend in other areas. Temperatures in southern France are forecast to reach 40°C, with peaks of 36°C to 37°C expected around Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Agen.
Météo-France has issued red alerts for Friday and Saturday for forest fires in southern France, warning that weather conditions present a
"very high"risk of outbreaks compared to typical summer norms.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated on Thursday that nearly 7,000 fires have occurred since the start of the summer season, burning approximately 8,700 hectares.
Nearly 3,000 people were evacuated after a wildfire ignited in the town of Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and spread to Canet-en-Roussillon on Thursday.
Southern France has been hit with wildfires this week
Heatwave Alerts in Iberian Peninsula
The Aemet weather service has warned of a possible additional heatwave in the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal's government declared a state of alert effective until midnight on Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C in some regions, with overnight temperatures remaining above 25°C.
In Spain, southwestern areas are on orange alert as temperatures are forecast to reach 40°C in certain locations.
