The French Health Ministry confirmed on Sunday that the country has recorded approximately 1,000 additional deaths compared to previous months since the onset of the heat wave on June 24. While the figures are not final, the ministry noted that Tuesday, June 23, was the hottest day ever recorded nationwide, surpassing the previous record established in 2003. Official data indicates that more than 1,200 deaths from all causes occurred on June 24, followed by over 1,400 daily deaths on both June 25 and June 26, a significant jump from the 900 to 1,000 daily deaths typically seen in April and May.
The impact has been particularly severe in regions under a red alert, specifically Ile-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Brittany, Centre-Val de Loire, Normandy, and Pays de la Loire. Although all age demographics have been impacted, people aged 65 and older account for 85% of these fatalities. The ministry reported an increase in deaths across hospitals, nursing homes, and private residences, with home-based fatalities rising by 40%. Officials emphasized that these figures, based on electronic death certificates, represent roughly 60% of national mortality and highlight the urgent need for social support for isolated individuals.
Meanwhile, Germany continues to face extreme heat, with the German Weather Service reporting a preliminary record of 41.5 degrees Celsius in Möckern-Drewitz, surpassing the previous record of 41.3 degrees Celsius set just one day earlier in Saarbrücken. As the “heat dome” of air originating from North Africa migrates eastward, other European nations are feeling the effects. Denmark recorded 37 degrees Celsius in Odum, the highest temperature since records began in 1874, while Switzerland reached 38.8 degrees Celsius in Basel, and the Czech Republic saw temperatures hit 40.6 degrees Celsius in Doksany.
Large portions of the population are enduring extreme conditions, with an estimated 193 million people across Europe likely to face temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. In response, various events have been impacted; while Munich’s Pride Parade is proceeding, the Paris Pride event was postponed to reduce pressure on health services, and the Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt will feature shortened courses. Climate scientists warn that such heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense, noting that the current record-breaking events would have been virtually impossible without the influence of human-induced climate change.
