France faced a silent crisis in late June as an unprecedented heatwave swept across the country. While around 900 to 1,000 people normally die each day, this number surged past 1,200 on June 24 and exceeded 1,400 in the following days. This sharp increase coincided with a brutal heatwave that began around June 20, leading France to record its highest national temperature of 30 degrees Celsius on June 24, with many areas reaching over 40 degrees Celsius.
Meteorologists blamed a persistent high-pressure system, known as an "omega block" for its shape, which trapped hot air over Europe. Scientists believe human-caused global warming made such extreme weather more likely. Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, making it particularly vulnerable.
The human cost was significant. Public Health France reported about 1,000 extra deaths starting June 24, with 85% of victims being over 65. Regions like Brittany, Normandy, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Centre-Val de Loire, and Pays de la Loire experienced intense heat, with many areas under a red alert. The Île-de-France region, including Paris, saw a notable rise in deaths within homes, highlighting the dangers of isolation during extreme weather.
The crisis affected Europe broadly, with the World Health Organization reporting over 1,300 excess deaths. The agency's director-general noted that European buildings are not designed for such high temperatures. This event recalls the devastating 2003 heatwave, which led France to create an alert system. The final death toll is expected to rise as more data becomes available.