The summer of 2026 in France went down in history as the hottest since weather observations began in 1900. The average temperature for June-August was 24 °C, surpassing the previous record of 2003 (23,1 °C).
According to Météo France, the country experienced three heatwaves. The total duration of such periods reached 53 days — an absolute record, twice as much as in 2022.
The Minister for Ecological Transition, Monique Barbut, confirmed: "We have experienced the hottest summer in the history of measurements since 1900." She noted that the question now is how this summer will be remembered — as the first in a series of records or as a turning point for adaptation and emissions reduction.
The heat was accompanied by severe drought: precipitation was 40 % below normal. By the end of August, the area of forest fires was six times higher than the average of the last 20 years. According to preliminary data from Santé publique France, excess mortality amounted to about 7300 people.
Climatologist Françoise Vimeux from IRD emphasized the scale of the event: "To beat the record by almost 1 °C in one season is enormous. Usually records are broken by tenths of a degree."
Such conditions became possible due to a combination of anthropogenic climate change and particular anticyclonic atmospheric processes. Experts note that without global warming, such a summer would have been practically impossible.
The authorities promise to accelerate the national climate adaptation plan, including measures to protect schools, forests, and infrastructure. But many opposition forces and NGOs criticize the government for insufficient preparation.
