7,300 excess deaths and counting in France’s historically hot summer

French health authorities reported more than 7,300 excess deaths linked to this summer's heat waves, with three separate spells since June 17 producing a record 52 heat-wave days, according to an AFP analysis of Météo-France data.

Santé publique France recorded 1,243 excess deaths from July 2-22 alone, added to 5,764 from June 17-30 and 300 in late May, with nearly three-quarters of the toll among people 75 and older.

The current heat wave, ongoing since late July, is now the second-longest on record, and the June 24-25 national temperature indicator surpassed the previous record set during the deadly 2003 heat wave.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.