France recorded its hottest summer on record, with 53 days of heatwaves, drought and devastating fires

France recorded the highest temperatures since measurements began in 1900 during the summer of 2026, according to the report presented by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Météo-France in Paris. The extreme temperatures were accompanied by drought, wildfires, and approximately 7,300 heat-related deaths, according to a provisional assessment valid as of August 19.

The average 24-hour temperature was 24 degrees Celsius, 3.6 degrees above the 1991–2020 period average. France experienced three heatwaves, totaling 53 days. An episode at the end of June reached record intensity, while the heatwave at the end of July and beginning of August lasted 23 days, matching the record set in 1983.

By the end of August, forest fires had affected areas six times larger than the average of the past 20 years. The heatwave disrupted exams, threatened crops, and led to the shutdown of some nuclear reactors. Météo-France also reported temperature records in the United Kingdom and Belgium.

French authorities are preparing measures for next summer, including accelerating the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan. The conclusions and a five-year financing plan are expected by the end of September.