France has reported a significant increase in deaths during the last week of June's record-breaking European heatwave, with 2,025 excess deaths recorded between June 22 and 28—a nearly 30% rise compared to the previous week. The French health ministry noted a "clear increase" in deaths among those over 45, with mortality in the Paris region surging by 62%. France experienced its hottest average day on June 24, with temperatures reaching almost 41°C in Paris, prompting half the nation to be placed under a red heat alert. The ministry cautioned that the figures were likely an underestimate, as drowning deaths also soared, with 72 people dying by drowning since June 18.