Key Points

• A warmer-than-normal summer began in June with an extensive and early heat wave, leading to new situations of exposure in schools.

• Exceedances of Météo-France’s biometeorological indicator thresholds were observed in the departments of Charente, Corrèze, Lot-et-Garonne, Deux-Sèvres, and Vienne during the intense heat wave in June.

• An orange heat wave alert was issued for all departments in the region during the intense heat wave in June (June 17–23).

• An impact on morbidity was observed through the use of emergency medical services (SOS Médecins and Oscour®) and the reporting of two episodes of fainting in schools during this intense heat wave (June 17–23).

• Excess mortality in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with a 6.6% excess in deaths (114) during the June heatwave, compared to 5.0% in Metropolitan France, representing 766 deaths (excess relative to the previous five years)

The June heatwave stood out for its extent, and above all for its intensity and early onset, which made it a dangerous event. The population was still not fully acclimated to the heat at that time, hence the need to inform all at-risk individuals: children, healthcare professionals, athletes, and the elderly.