Santé publique France, the French public health agency, reported on Wednesday, September 16, that nearly 8,000 additional deaths have occurred in France since late May, largely due to extreme heat events. The most recent heatwave, which lasted from July 27 to August 20, resulted in at least 817 excess deaths, making it the third major heatwave of the summer. While this heatwave was less deadly than the previous two, it still contributed significantly to the overall toll. The earlier heatwave, which took place from June 17 to July 2, was the most severe, with 5,764 excess deaths recorded. A second heatwave, from July 3 to July 20, led to 1,243 additional deaths. Before these, an earlier heat peak in late May, from May 24 to May 28, caused 95 excess deaths. These figures highlight the increasing frequency and intensity of heat-related mortality in France during the summer months. The most recent heatwave, which affected 79 departments across France, was the longest ever recorded in the country. However, the agency noted that while the deaths are associated with the heat, they cannot yet be definitively attributed to it. Factors such as pre-existing health conditions and other environmental influences are also being considered in the analysis. Heatwaves are defined as prolonged periods of excessively hot weather, which can lead to a range of health issues, including heatstroke, dehydration, and exacerbation of chronic conditions. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and advise vulnerable populations to take precautions during periods of high temperatures.