France's Summer Heat Deaths Expose Limits of Two-Decade Preparedness Push

France recorded 5,700 heat-related deaths in summer 2026—about a third during peak heat waves. On June 24, the Health Ministry issued its highest alert level, reserved for events expected to cause excess deaths. The toll reveals persistent strain on public health systems despite major reforms after 2003's devastating heat wave killed 15,000. Current safeguards struggle against unusually widespread, long-lasting heat events.