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France Swelters: Hottest Summer on Record
3 Sep
Summary
- France recorded its hottest summer since measurements began in 1900.
- Average summer temperatures were 3.6 C above normal.
- The summer also saw very low rainfall, with a deficit of nearly 40%.
France has officially recorded its hottest summer since meteorological measurements commenced over a century ago. The summer of 2026 saw average temperatures of 24 degrees Celsius (75.2 F), a staggering 3.6 degrees Celsius (6.5 F) above the normal average for June, July, and August.
This intense heatwave, characterized by an unprecedented 53 heatwave days across three distinct episodes, exacerbated dry conditions. Firefighters battled wildfires extensively, including in northern and Brittany regions, far from their typical wildfire zones. A significant fire near Bordeaux devastated forests and compelled the evacuation of a quarter-million residents.
Beyond the heat, the summer was marked by exceptionally low rainfall, with a deficit approaching 40%, making it the second driest summer in recorded history. Record ocean temperatures were also observed along France's coastlines, and unusually hot spells extended into May and early September, signaling broader climate change impacts.
