Key Points

• The Grand Est region experienced two heat waves, the first occurring in the first half of July and the second in the second half of August 2023. During these heat waves, biometeorological alert thresholds were exceeded in 3 of the 10 departments (Haute-Marne in July, Bas-Rhin in July and August, and Haut-Rhin in August). A significant impact on health was observed during these periods:

  • 83 SOS Médecins calls were recorded regionally for the iCanicule indicator, as well as 268 emergency room visits for the iCanicule indicator, 158 of which resulted in hospitalization. Use of emergency care accounted for up to 0.6% of daily SOS Médecins calls and 0.5% of daily emergency room visits. People aged 75 and older remained the most affected during the two heatwave episodes.

  • Across the two heatwave periods that particularly affected our region, it is estimated that 12.8% of observed deaths (n = 74 deaths) were attributable to the heat. Two-thirds of these (n = 49 deaths, or 66%) involved people aged 75 and older.

• Link to the infographic