France experienced a significant increase in mortality during a heatwave from mid-June to early July, with health authorities reporting around 5,700 excess deaths. According to Public Health France, the period between June 17 and July 2 saw a total of 21,674 deaths from all causes in regions affected by the extreme temperatures, representing a 36% rise above the expected number based on historical data.
More than half of these excess deaths occurred in a three-day span from June 25 to June 27, and about two-thirds involved individuals aged 75 and older. While the official data attributes the increase to all-cause mortality and does not yet directly link the deaths to the heatwave, experts emphasize the correlation between extreme temperatures and heightened health risks, particularly among older populations.
The 2026 summer death toll marks a similar level to last year, during which France recorded approximately 5,700 excess deaths over the entire summer. Authorities have underscored the seriousness of the situation, urging residents to take precautions such as avoiding outdoor barbecues, which are a common cause of wildfires during dry conditions.
Elsewhere in southern Europe, the heatwave has contributed to widespread wildfires and other extreme weather events. In Spain’s Guadalajara region, one of the largest wildfires in recent history has burned roughly 32,000 hectares, forcing the evacuation of 1,200 people from multiple villages. Authorities reported that the fire was stabilizing as residents of some villages were allowed to return, but the overall wildfire risk remains critically high due to sustained temperatures in the low to mid-40 degrees Celsius range and dry, windy conditions.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez noted that the country has experienced 22 major wildfires so far this year, a fourfold increase compared to the same period last year. Total burned areas have already reached levels comparable to the average of the entire past decade. Officials stressed the need for enhanced public awareness and stronger climate change mitigation measures, noting the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves and wildfires as part of broader climate trends affecting Europe.
Similar fire outbreaks and heat-related restrictions have been reported in other European countries, including Greece and Italy. Greece has banned outdoor work during peak midday hours to protect laborers from temperatures forecast to exceed 41 degrees Celsius, while Sicily is facing several ongoing wildfires under extreme heat and strong winds, prompting evacuations and civil protection alerts.
In North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, a severe storm associated with the heatwave caused injuries and hospitalizations, illustrating the diverse and escalating impact of climate-related weather events across the region.
Overall, this summer’s extreme heat events highlight the increasing vulnerability of southern Europe to climate-driven health and environmental emergencies, with authorities calling for vigilance and adaptive measures to reduce risks amid warming temperatures.