**European Heatwave Causes 1,000 Excess Deaths in France**
*Published on June 28, 2026*
France's public health agency has reported a grim toll from the ongoing European heatwave, with preliminary estimates indicating that approximately 1,000 excess deaths have occurred since the onset of the extreme weather conditions. The agency, which operates under the French Ministry of Health, noted that the majority of these fatalities involved individuals aged 65 and older. It is anticipated that the mortality rate could rise further as additional data becomes available, particularly concerning deaths in private homes and residential care facilities.
The heatwave, which began affecting Europe on June 20, has led to unprecedented temperatures across the continent, prompting the early closure of schools and museums in various regions. The situation has been particularly severe in countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland, where temperatures have soared to alarming levels. On Sunday, it was estimated that at least 191 million people in Europe would experience temperatures reaching or exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
In France, while some areas have seen a decrease in extreme weather conditions, the northeast region remains under a heatwave advisory. French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist emphasized the ongoing nature of the heatwave, stating in an interview with La Tribune that its effects could persist for up to ten days. "The episode is not finished," she remarked, highlighting the potential for further health impacts as the heat continues.
The heatwave has not only affected France but has also led to tragic incidents in neighboring Germany. Over the weekend, at least seven people lost their lives in swimming accidents as many sought relief from the oppressive heat in lakes and rivers. In Berlin alone, two individuals died in separate incidents, while another victim was discovered unresponsive in a man-made lake. The extreme temperatures in Germany have reached or exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), with some areas recording the warmest nights in nearly 150 years.
Scientists have indicated that the severity of this heatwave is closely linked to man-made climate change, with recent studies suggesting that such extreme weather events would be nearly impossible without human influence on the climate. The current heatwave has been attributed to a meteorological phenomenon known as an "omega block," which traps a mass of hot air over specific regions for extended periods, exacerbating the already high temperatures.
As the heatwave begins to wane, forecasts predict the arrival of heavy thunderstorms, which could provide some relief to the sweltering conditions. However, the impact of the heatwave on public health and safety remains a significant concern, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly.
The ongoing situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change and the need for effective measures to protect public health during extreme weather events. As Europe grapples with the consequences of this heatwave, the focus will likely shift to long-term strategies for adaptation and resilience in the face of increasingly frequent and severe climate-related events.