France recorded 5,764 more deaths than the normal rate between June 17 and July 2, according to the national health agency. This represents an excess mortality rate of 36% during a period that coincided with a historic heatwave, as large parts of southern Europe endured another record-breaking stretch of extreme temperatures.
Health authorities stated that the extra deaths were attributed to all causes, noting that none have been clearly linked to the heat at this time. Final figures regarding the mortality rates are expected to be published in the fall.
This event marks the highest excess mortality rate during a heatwave in France since the deadly summer of 2003.