Key Points

• In mainland France, the summer of 2021 was marked by a mild heat wave in southeastern France in August and short-lived, localized heat waves in June and July. Nine departments were affected by these episodes, representing 12% of the mainland population.

• In the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, two short-lived heat waves were observed in June and July, as well as a low-intensity heat wave in August. Three departments were affected by actual exceedances of biometeorological thresholds: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, and Vaucluse.

  • An estimated 118 excess deaths (all causes combined) occurred during the heat waves in the affected departments, representing a relative excess mortality rate of +30%. People aged 75 and older were the most affected, with 116 excess deaths (+42%) in this age group;

  • Over the course of the summer, nearly 300 SOS Médecins consultations and approximately 2,700 emergency room visits related to the iCanicule indicator (covering hyperthermia, heatstroke, dehydration, and hyponatremia) were recorded. Seven out of ten emergency room visits related to iCanicule resulted in hospitalization. People aged 75 and older accounted for 40% of emergency room visits and 31% of SOS Médecins consultations related to iCanicule.

These results underscore, even when the heatwave is short and mild, the importance of anticipating the impact of heat ahead of heatwave periods and reinforce the need for prevention measures tailored to the entire population, particularly the most vulnerable.

• For more information: National Heat Wave Public Health Bulletin