Santé publique France published a first estimate of all-cause excess mortality during the 17 June–2 July 2026 heatwave, which brought record maximum temperatures (43.8 °C at Saintes, 42.5 °C at Bordeaux) and the first 24-hour national average of 30 °C. For the départements and days concerned, 5 764 excess deaths were estimated, 36% above the expected count, with excess present in every age group from 15 years upwards. The agency notes the total falls short of 2003 and that the figures are unconsolidated pending the end-of-summer surveillance review.
Why it is interesting: A rapid, three-week-latency excess mortality estimate for a heat episode that reached working-age groups, not only the very old.