Key Points

• The orange heat wave alert began on August 8 and is ongoing. Between August 8 and 11, 45.3% of the French population was affected by at least one day of orange alert. On August 11, 12 departments (10.3% of the population) were placed under red alert.

• Healthcare utilization for the iCanicule composite health indicator has been rising since August 8, with more than 100 emergency room visits and about 30 SOS Médecins consultations observed daily.

• The increases affect all age groups and are most pronounced among people aged 15–74, particularly those aged 15–44, primarily due to hyperthermia and heatstroke in this age group.

• The initial health impacts observed underscore that heat poses a health risk for all age groups. It is important to implement preventive measures for the entire population.