France minister: Heat deaths hit 7,000 by end of July

France's health minister says the number of deaths believed to be related to the record-breaking heat this summer reached around 7,000 by the end of July.

Severe heat is continuing mainly in the southern part of the country. French weather authorities say extreme heat is expected to persist through the weekend with temperatures rising to 37 to 40 degrees Celsius.

Health Minister Stephanie Rist said on Friday that many of the dead were isolated individuals living alone in large cities. She said the ministry is assessing the situation.

Record heat continues in France and other parts of Europe this year. French weather officials announced on Thursday that the average temperature between June and August was 3.6 degrees higher than average, marking the hottest summer since record-keeping began in 1900.

Weather officials also said France was hit by heat waves three times throughout the season, totaling 53 days -- the longest ever.

Many houses and hospitals in Europe, including France, are not equipped with air conditioners, prompting some to point out a delay in measures.