France Had a Plan to Stop Heat Deaths After 2003. In June 2026, 2,025 People Still Died.

France saw 2,025 more deaths than usual during the late-June 2026 heatwave, 530 among people 85 or older. After a 2003 heatwave killed 15,000, France set up warning systems, home visits by postal workers, and public advice campaigns — all active this time. Paris deaths rose nearly 65%. The country kept its highest health emergency in place.