Overview

• A total of 3,711 deaths in France during the summer of 2024 were attributed to heat, with over 75% of victims aged 75 and older.
• The summer of 2024 was the eighth hottest since 1900, with temperatures averaging 0.7°C above normal and a major heatwave spanning July 28 to August 14.
• Heat-related deaths accounted for 2.2% of all mortality during the summer, peaking at 10% during specific heatwave periods.
• Beyond fatalities, over 17,000 emergency visits were recorded for conditions like hyperthermia, dehydration, and sodium imbalances caused by excessive heat.
• Experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of heatwaves, with southern regions of France particularly vulnerable.