France's Post-2003 Heat Protections Couldn't Prevent 2,025 Deaths in June 2026 Heatwave

France logged 2,025 excess deaths — deaths above the normal expected count — during the late-June 2026 heatwave, 530 among people 85 or older. The country built its heat-response system after a 2003 disaster killed 15,000. Registries, postal-worker home visits, and public guidance all ran. Paris mortality rose nearly 65%. France held its health emergency plan at maximum level.