Key Points 

• According to Météo France, last week’s heat wave was of exceptional magnitude from a meteorological standpoint across mainland France. In Hauts-de-France, all departments in the region were placed under a red heat wave alert starting Wednesday, June 24, for three consecutive days. The total duration of the heatwave (starting with a yellow alert) lasted from June 18 to 28 and was accompanied by episodes of ozone and/or fine particulate matter pollution, as well as several thunderstorms that significantly impacted certain parts of the region. A further rise in temperatures is expected sometime next week.
• A regional analysis of emergency care utilization (visits to emergency rooms and SOS Médecins calls) indicates an increase in the iCanicule composite health indicator—which includes cases of hyperthermia, dehydration, and hyponatremia—beginning on June 18 (yellow alert), peaking on June 25 and 26 during the red heatwave alert. This increase was observed in all departments of the region and across all age groups.