France records more than 5,700 excess deaths during historic early summer heat wave

France has recorded more than 5,700 excess deaths during its historic summer heat wave, marking the country's deadliest heat-related toll in more than two decades, Public Health France announced Wednesday. Between June 17 and July 2, the agency expected 15,910 deaths but instead recorded 21,674. The difference — 5,764 excess deaths — was 36% higher than what would have been expected. During the heat wave, temperatures climbed well above 104 degrees Fahrenheit in many parts of the country, Public