Europe Heatwave: France Records 1,000 Excess Deaths as Temperatures Shatter Records
France recorded approximately 1,000 additional deaths during the peak of an extreme heatwave that swept across Europe last week, according to the country's public health agency. The deaths occurred over three days in late June, when temperatures in France reached historic highs.
Public Health France reported that daily deaths rose to over 1,200 on June 24, and exceeded 1,400 on each of the following two days. By comparison, the daily average in April and May ranged from 900 to 1,000. The agency cautioned that the estimate of 1,000 excess deaths is likely to increase as more data is collected, especially for deaths at home. Nearly 85% of those who died were aged 65 or older.
The heatwave, which began in western Europe and moved eastward, broke multiple temperature records. In Germany, a new daytime record of 41.5°C (106.7°F) was set in Möckern-Drewitz, Saxony-Anhalt, followed by a nighttime record of 29.4°C (84.9°F) in Kubschütz, Saxony. These records were preliminary according to the German Weather Service (DWD).
A rapid attribution study by the World Weather Attribution network, released on June 26, concluded that the extreme heat and humidity would have been virtually impossible without climate change. The study found that such heat is now 200 times more likely than it was 20 years ago.
The heatwave also sparked wildfires in Germany, including a forest fire in Gohrischheide, eastern Germany, an area contaminated with World War II-era ammunition. Firefighting efforts were complicated by the risk of explosions. A similar fire near Traisen in southwest Germany led to temporary suspension of operations after explosions occurred; an ordnance disposal unit was deployed.
In Berlin, the police used water cannons—normally reserved for crowd control—to spray cooling water on crowds at the Brandenburg Gate. The city also reported an additional 500 ambulance dispatches on June 27, most heat-related. Infrastructure suffered as well: highways developed cracks, and Deutsche Bahn advised against unnecessary train travel. In Leipzig, tram services were suspended until June 29 due to heat damage to tracks and switches.
The heatwave has prompted warnings from health authorities across Europe, urging people to stay hydrated, avoid exertion during peak heat, and check on vulnerable individuals. The events underscore the growing impact of climate change on extreme weather events.
