Severe drought and record soil moisture deficit fuel escalating wildfire threat
Record drought and soil desiccation triggered major wildfire destroying thousands of hectares in Gironde.
Event / Disaster
France Heat Wave and Drought July 2026
Unprecedented heat, drought, and wildfires across France in July 2026, with record temperatures and severe agricultural impacts.
2 reported locations
Daily activity
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2026-08-13 to 2026-11-10 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 29 Jul, 08:19 UTC
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What happened
July 2026 becomes hottest month on record in France since 1900
July 2026 recorded an average temperature of 24.9°C in France, breaking previous records set in August 2003 (24.8°C) and July 2006 (24.4°C). This is the hottest month measured since records began in 1900, according to Météo-France.
July 2026 sunshine duration reaches 35% above normal in France
Sunshine hours exceeded normal levels by 35% across France in July 2026, making it the second-sunniest July on record after July 2022 (+40%). Northern regions experienced exceptional excess sunshine exceeding 60% in some areas, particularly in Brittany and Normandy.
Large wildfire ravages thousands of hectares and homes in Gironde by late July 2026
A major wildfire destroyed thousands of hectares and residential properties in Gironde at the end of July 2026, driven by record soil drought and dry conditions.
Heat wave in France lasts 16 days from July 4-19, 2026
France experienced a heat wave lasting 16 days from July 4-19, 2026, making it the third-longest heat wave on record after July 1983 (23 days) and July 2006 (21 days). At peak intensity on July 12, 37 departments were placed on red heat alert and 46 on orange alert.
July 2026 is third-driest July on record in France with 70% rainfall deficit
July 2026 recorded a rainfall deficit of approximately 70%, making it the third-driest July in France since records began. Precipitation was nearly absent north of the Seine River, in the Nantes region, Occitanie, interior Var, Côte d'Azur, and Corsica.
Temperature anomaly in France reaches +3.8°C above 1991-2020 normal
Temperature deviation from 1991-2020 climatological norms reached +3.8°C in July 2026, with maximum temperatures exceeding norms by +5.2°C. This represents the second-highest monthly temperature anomaly ever recorded in France, after February 1990 (+4°C).
France experiences fourth heat episode since late May 2026
France has experienced four heat episodes since late May 2026, with multiple waves of extreme temperatures occurring throughout the period. Climate forecasts indicate conditions warmer than normal are expected for August-October 2026.
Soil drought in France reaches record levels equivalent to August 2022
Soil moisture levels in France reached record lows by late July 2026, matching the lowest levels recorded in August 2022. Soils were drier in late July 2026 than at the same period in 2022 and 2025, with significant impacts on agriculture and increased wildfire risk.
Fourth heatwave of 2026 begins in France
A fourth heat wave episode began on July 29, 2026 in France, following ten days of cooler temperatures after the previous episode ended on July 19. This episode is expected to be less intense and shorter in duration than the previous three heatwaves that struck France since mid-May 2026.
Approximately 6,000 deaths during June 2026 heatwave
According to Santé publique France, nearly 6,000 people died during the June 2026 heatwave, which produced the hottest days ever recorded in France. That heatwave occurred from June 17-30, 2026 and affected 92 departments, representing 98.5% of the French population.
Record-intensity heatwave struck France in June 2026
A record-breaking heatwave struck France from June 17-30, 2026, characterized as the most intense heatwave ever recorded in the country.
Peak temperatures expected to reach 42°C in southwestern France
Peak temperatures on July 29-30, 2026 were expected to reach 42°C in Gironde and Landes departments in southwestern France. Temperatures in other orange alert departments were forecast at 36-39°C, while the rest of the country would experience 35-38°C.
16 French departments placed on orange heatwave alert
Météo-France placed 16 departments on orange heatwave alert starting at noon on July 29, 2026. The affected departments are Territoire de Belfort, Doubs, Jura, Saône-et-Loire, Puy-de-Dôme, Haute-Loire, Ain, Ardèche, Drôme, Isère, Loire, Rhône, Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Gironde, and Landes.
Third-longest heatwave on record ends in France
The third-longest heatwave ever measured in France ended on July 19, 2026, after beginning on July 4. Although it was exceptionally long in duration, it was less intense than the June 2026 heatwave.
Early season heatwave affected France in May 2026
An unusually early heatwave struck France between May 24-28, 2026, marking the first heat wave episode of the year.
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2 alternative perspectives
France endures fourth sustained heat episode in 2026
France's fourth sustained heat episode since May 2026 lasted 16 days in July.
July 2026 shatters temperature records across France with extreme metrics
July 2026 set new French heat records with +3.8°C anomaly and 35% excess sunshine since 1900.
France activates orange alert as fourth heatwave of 2026 intensifies
Fourth French heatwave of 2026 triggers orange alerts; temperatures reaching 42°C expected.
France endures record-intensity heatwave with thousands of deaths
France's record June 2026 heatwave killed approximately 6,000 people.