French health officials say a record heat wave in June and July led to the deaths of more than 1,400 people in the country.
The health ministry says nearly 70 percent of those who died were 75 years of age or older.
A new national temperature record was set in June, when the mercury soared to 45.9 degrees Celsius in the southern region of Gard.
In July, temperatures in Paris hit 42.6 degrees, breaking the previous record of 40.4 degrees set in 1947.
French authorities have been urging the public to take measures against the scorching heat since 2003, when more than 10,000 people died due to heatstroke and other heat-related causes.
Local governments have launched programs sending volunteers to visit the elderly in their homes and advising people to stay hydrated.
This year's heat wave has hit countries other than France.
The World Meteorological Organization is warning of the impact of global warming.
It says the increased output of greenhouse gases is to blame for the extreme weather.
NHK
