July 2026 marks the hottest month on record for France

Météo-France, the national meteorological service, announced that July 2026 was the hottest month recorded in France since data collection began in 1900. This milestone surpasses the previous temperature records established during the heatwaves of August 2003 and July 2006.

In addition to the record-breaking temperatures, the country experienced a significant rainfall deficit of nearly 70%, making it the third driest July on record. This lack of precipitation has led to record-level soil dryness, comparable to the conditions observed in mid-August 2022. These environmental factors are posing severe consequences for the agricultural sector and have significantly increased the risk of wildfires across the region.

Moving forward, meteorologists indicate that extreme heat is expected to persist, particularly in eastern regions and areas stretching from northern Occitanie to the Île-de-France. Local authorities are also monitoring the potential for strong, localized thunderstorms, which are predicted to move from the southwest toward the eastern borders.