France records ‘hottest summer ever’ in 2026

What the report says

France has recorded its hottest summer since measurements began in 1900, according to a climate report presented on Thursday by Environment Minister Monique Barbut, as reported by Al Jazeera. The announcement places France alongside other European countries, including Belgium, Britain and Ireland, that have also faced exceptional heat this year.

The French summer of 2026 featured several severe heatwaves, including one in late June that set a new intensity record and another stretching from late July into August that matched a 23-day record from 1983. French Health Minister Stephanie Rist said the late-June heatwave was linked to 2,025 excess deaths, with higher mortality among people over 45. Al Jazeera also reported that major wildfires broke out during the season, including in areas that are usually cooler and wetter.

France’s weather agency Meteo France said rainfall was nearly 40 percent below normal, making the summer the second driest on record. It also said the average summer temperature reached 24 degrees Celsius, or 3.6C above the usual level. Barbut said the result should be seen as a warning about whether France will respond with stronger adaptation and emissions-cutting measures.

The report comes as Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has asked Barbut to propose faster implementation of France’s climate adaptation plan. Al Jazeera noted that Europe is warming faster than the global average, underscoring why the French figures matter beyond one country.