France records ‘hottest summer ever’ in 2026
Summary
France experienced its hottest summer since records began in 1900, with temperatures much higher than usual. The country faced severe heatwaves, wildfires, and low rainfall, leading to thousands of extra deaths and prompting the government to plan new climate actions.Key Facts
- The summer of 2026 in France was the hottest ever recorded, with an average temperature of 24°C (75°F).
- This average temperature was 3.6°C (6.5°F) above the normal average for the season.
- France had multiple extreme heatwaves, including one in late June and another lasting 23 days from late July to August.
- Over 2,025 excess deaths were recorded during the heatwaves, especially affecting people over 45 years old.
- Severe wildfires occurred even in usually cooler and wetter areas of the country.
- Rainfall during the summer was nearly 40% below normal, making it the second driest summer in France’s history.
- Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu asked Environment Minister Monique Barbut to suggest new climate adaptation measures with a funding plan due by September.
- Europe is the fastest-warming continent, with temperatures rising twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s.
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