Europe Severe Weather Leaves More Than 10,000 Excess Deaths in Final Week of June
Europe severe weather produced more than 10,000 excess deaths across the continent during the final week of June. [1] The figures align directly with an early summer heatwave that pushed temperatures above 40°C and set national records in several countries. [1] Researchers noted that the increase in deaths matched the exact period of extreme heat across large parts of Europe. [1]
Excess Mortality from June Heatwave
More than 10,000 excess deaths were recorded across Europe during the final week of June. [1] The excess deaths align directly with the period of extreme heat across large parts of the continent. [1] Temperatures climbed above 40°C in several countries and reached national records in others. [1] The figures point to one of the deadliest early summer heat events recorded in Europe. [1] National health agencies and new mortality data confirmed the link between the heatwave and the rise in deaths. [1]
Europe Severe Weather and Agricultural Disruptions
Europe severe weather also damaged key crops through successive heatwaves that accelerated harvests and reduced yields. [2] France’s wheat production is forecast to fall 4 percent to 32 million tonnes in 2026. [2] The International Grains Council cut its global maize production forecast by 4 million tonnes to 1.306 billion tonnes. [2] These revisions cite heatwave damage in parts of Europe including France. [2]
France wheat harvest advances early due to scorching heat reducing production. — Source: rfi
Impact on French Wheat Harvest
France is forecast to produce 32 million tonnes of wheat in 2026. [2] The French agriculture ministry’s first estimates show a 4 percent decline compared to 2025. [2] Average yield dropped to 6.93 tonnes per hectare from 7.42 tonnes per hectare in 2025. [2] This decline occurred despite a 3 percent increase in the amount of land planted with wheat. [2] Deteriorating growing conditions toward the end of the season resulted from successive heatwaves that hit crops. [2] The unusually early harvest took place during these heatwaves. [2]
Regional Variations and Harvest Conditions
Central and western France suffered the largest losses due to drought and repeated heatwaves. [2] Northern and eastern regions generally reported better yields. [2] Conditions for the crop were generally good until May. [2] Early heatwaves then accelerated the cereal harvest first for barley and then for wheat. [2] The extreme heat made harvesting more difficult, with restrictions introduced in some regions where even a small spark from a combine harvester could start a fire. [2]
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Effects on Other Crops and Livestock
France’s barley production is expected to fall 6 percent to 11 million tonnes. [2] The drop is driven by reduced spring yields that were particularly affected by the hot weather. [2] Maize crop conditions in France fell to their lowest level in at least 15 years following repeated heatwaves and a lack of rainfall. [2] The International Grains Council lowered its forecast for France’s maize harvest to 9 million tonnes. [2] European grain trade association Coceral also lowered its outlook for the EU maize harvest. [2]
Broader Agricultural and Global Market Context
France is the European Union’s biggest wheat producer and one of the world’s largest wheat exporters. [2] Its harvest serves as an important benchmark for global grain markets. [2] The International Grains Council left its 2026/27 global wheat crop forecast unchanged while cutting the maize outlook. [2] For many French farmers the smaller harvest represents another setback after months of protests over low incomes, rising costs and regulation. [2] Industry groups have warned that more frequent heatwaves and droughts are adding to the financial strain on farms. [2]
What to watch next
FranceAgriMer continues to monitor maize conditions after the repeated heatwaves, while the International Grains Council will issue further monthly updates on global maize and wheat prospects.
