France experienced a historic heat wave from June 17 to July 2, 2023, that caused approximately 5,764 excess deaths compared to normal levels, a 36% increase in mortality during this period [1, 2]. The heat wave included three separate events since May and was the hottest June since France began recording temperatures in 1947 [1, 2].
About two-thirds of the excess deaths occurred in people aged 75 and older, with a notable rise also reported among those aged 45 to 64 [1, 2]. The hardest-hit region was Île-de-France, which includes Paris, where nearly 2,000 excess deaths represented an 81.2% increase in mortality for June alone [1, 2]. Deaths occurred across a range of settings, including hospitals, homes, and nursing facilities [2].
Between June 25 and June 27, more than half of the excess deaths—around 56%—were reported during that three-day period of extreme heat [1, 2]. In late June, daily average temperatures nationwide hit 30°C for the first time on record, with some areas exceeding 40°C, intensifying the health impact [2].
France has recorded 53 heat waves since 1947, with about half occurring after 2010, reflecting an upward trend in extreme heat events [1]. The previous major heat wave in 2003 caused approximately 15,000 deaths nationwide [1].
The France Public Health Agency said excess deaths reflect the heat wave's severity and prolonged exposure, noting the significant toll of extreme temperatures on public health [2]. Specific attribution of deaths to heat is still under review [1].
Earlier in May 2023, France also experienced a rare heat wave that caused at least 300 deaths, marking the start of an unusually warm season [1]. On July 22, the France Public Health Agency released a preliminary report detailing the excess deaths linked to the June heat wave, providing the most comprehensive national mortality data on the event so far [2].
