France recorded an estimated 5,764 excess deaths during the heatwave that affected much of the country between June 17 and July 2, according to figures released by Public Health France.

The health agency reported 21,674 deaths from all causes during the period. Based on mortality trends from previous years, around 15,910 deaths would normally have been expected. The difference, known as excess mortality, was calculated at 36%.

This heatwave led to unprecedentedly high temperatures in several areas within the nation. June 24th and 25th were the hottest days ever experienced in the nation, with the average daily temperature in France hitting 30 degrees Celsius for the very first time. Several areas experienced temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.

The Paris region recorded the largest increase in mortality, with an estimated 1,999 excess deaths during the monitoring period. More than half of the excess deaths nationwide occurred between June 25 and June 27, when temperatures were at their highest.

Public Health France said almost half of the deaths recorded during the period occurred in hospitals. Around one-third took place at home, while the remaining deaths were reported mainly in residential care facilities. The increase in mortality was observed across people aged 15 years and older, although older adults accounted for the highest number of deaths.

The agency said the June heatwave stood out because of its timing and geographical extent. It arrived before the peak summer season and affected almost the entire country, with most schools and workplaces continuing normal operations.

Public Health France uses excess mortality to compare the total number of deaths during a specific period with the number expected under normal conditions. The measure includes deaths from all causes and does not identify heat as the direct cause in individual cases.

Officials described the current figures as preliminary and said further analysis will be carried out after the summer surveillance period. The updated assessment will examine mortality patterns alongside other health indicators collected during the heatwave.

The event in June has been described as having the highest number of excess deaths from the heatwave in France since 2003, when sustained hot weather resulted in a surge in deaths nationwide. According to Public Health France, ongoing surveillance will assist in evaluating the impacts of the heatwave.