Heatwave Eases in France as Storms Follow and Authorities Record About 1,000 Excess Deaths

Overview

• After an 11‑day spell of extreme heat, Météo‑France reported the hottest air shifting east and by Monday no French department remained on red alert while several areas stayed on orange for heat or storms.
• Santé publique France estimates about 1,000 excess deaths in France since June 24 and the World Health Organization has put Europe’s heat‑related toll at roughly 1,300 since June 21.
• Hospitals reported exceptionally high emergency activity, regional Plan Blanc measures were triggered and the interior minister said rescue interventions rose about 20 percent, totaling roughly 122,000 since mid‑June.
• The cooling phase brought violent storms with very strong gusts — Keraunos logged winds to 145 km/h near Blois — producing power outages, transport disruption, damage and strains on funerary services.
• Scientists and officials link the event to climate change, authorities have banned or cancelled dozens of events to ease pressure, and ministers will assess lessons for health, infrastructure and agriculture in the coming days.