France records 2,025 excess deaths at peak of heatwave as Europe braces for more extreme weather
France reported over 2,000 excess deaths during a record-breaking June heatwave as temperatures continue to rise across Europe. Climate experts warn that Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, leading to more frequent extreme weather events.
Why it matters
The rising death toll highlights the immediate human cost of climate change and the increasing strain on public health infrastructure during extreme heat events.
Image source, EPA By Ella Kipling Published 3 July 2026, 11:08 BST Updated 7 minutes ago France has said it recorded an increase of more than 2,000 deaths during the last week of a record-breaking European heatwave in June as forecasters warn of further extreme temperatures on the continent in the next few days.
The article reports factual data from health ministries and climate services without emotive language or political advocacy.
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