France has linked more than 2,000 excess deaths to its recent heatwave as another round of extreme temperatures approaches Europe.
France heatwave deaths rose sharply during the final week of June, with health authorities reporting 2,025 excess deaths between 22 and 28 June. The country’s Public Health Agency said overall deaths increased by 29% compared to the previous week, with the Paris region recording a 62% rise.
French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said there was a significant increase in deaths among people aged 45 and above. Officials also warned that the latest figures are likely an underestimate, meaning the final death toll could be even higher.
These deaths come after the country recorded its hottest average day on 24 June, with temperatures reaching nearly 41°C in Paris. Belgium and the Netherlands also reported hundreds of excess deaths linked to the extreme heat, while France recorded at least 72 drowning fatalities during the same period.
Forecasters now expect another heatwave to hit France, Spain, Portugal and parts of the United Kingdom this weekend. Authorities have also issued wildfire warnings across southern France, where thousands of fires have already broken out this summer.
Scientists continue to warn that climate change is making European heatwaves more frequent, more intense and increasingly deadly.
