A severe heatwave that affected parts of Western Europe in late June 2026 has been linked to at least 3,700 excess deaths across France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, according to preliminary government and health authority reports.

The extreme weather event, which lasted from around June 20 to June 28, was described by experts as one of the worst heatwaves recorded in Europe, bringing dangerously high temperatures that disrupted daily life and strained public services.

In France alone, authorities reported around 2,025 excess deaths during the period, with a significant increase in fatalities among people aged over 45.French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist noted that deaths at home surged by 91% between June 22 and June 28 compared to the previous week.

Increased mortality was also recorded in nursing homes and healthcare facilities, with officials warning that the final figures may still rise as data is further validated.Belgium registered approximately 1,200 excess deaths during the same period, with a notable proportion affecting elderly populations.The Belgian Health Ministry described the mortality spike as unprecedented for the country during a heatwave.Meanwhile, the Netherlands reported around 480 excess deaths, mostly among individuals aged over 80.Health experts and scientists indicated that the extreme temperatures were very likely intensified by climate change.The heatwave also caused broader disruptions, including stress on power systems, damage to infrastructure, and pressure on healthcare services.Authorities across the affected countries continue to monitor the situation as they assess the full impact of the event.

The preliminary nature of the data suggests that the total death toll may increase as more comprehensive reporting becomes available in the coming weeks.