The exceptional heatwave at the end of June in France has apparently had far more severe consequences than initially assumed. According to a first preliminary evaluation by health authorities, around 1,000 more deaths have been recorded since June 24 than would normally be expected during this period. This is referred to as excess mortality. Whether and to what extent these deaths are directly attributable to the extreme heat will only be clarified by a detailed epidemiological analysis in the coming weeks.
Older people are particularly affected. About 85 percent of the additionally recorded deaths involve persons aged 65 years and older. This demographic group is especially sensitive to prolonged heat periods because the body is less able to regulate high temperatures and existing illnesses are often aggravated.
Another notable development is the increase in deaths occurring at home. These rose significantly during the heatwave and were around 40 percent above the usual level, particularly in the region around Paris. Experts see this as an indication that many health emergencies occurred outside medical facilities or that those affected received help too late.
Health authorities emphasize, however, that the numbers published so far include all causes of death. Direct attribution of each individual death to the heatwave is currently not possible. Excess mortality initially serves as a statistical indicator showing that more people die during an extraordinary event than would be expected under normal conditions. Only after comprehensive investigations can it be determined what proportion is actually due to the extreme temperatures.
The heatwave itself already ranks among the most intense ever experienced in France during June. For about ten days, exceptionally high temperatures were measured across large parts of the country. Numerous regions recorded new record highs for June. At the same time, nighttime cooling often failed to occur, causing buildings and apartments to heat up further and increasing the strain on the population.
Hospitals reported a marked increase in patients suffering from heatstroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular problems during the hot days. Especially older people, chronically ill patients, and persons with limited mobility were considered particularly at risk.
Even after the extreme temperatures ended, experts expect ongoing health consequences. Severe heat often places stress on the body over several days, so complications can occur with a delay. Therefore, authorities do not rule out that the number of registered deaths may still rise.
The current tally once again highlights the significant impact prolonged heat periods can have on public health. Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, protecting especially vulnerable population groups is becoming ever more important.