France records hottest July since 1900 amid extreme heatwave

Météo‑France confirmed that July 2026 was the hottest month on record in France since observations began in 1900, with an average temperature of 24.9 °C, surpassing August 2003 (24.8 °C). Several locations broke all‑time July highs, including Marignane (40.5 °C), Brive‑la‑Gaillarde (42.2 °C in the shade) and Mulhouse (40.2 °C). Night‑time temperatures also set records, with a low of 30.6 °C in Vivès and an average night‑time high of 21.4 °C.

The heatwave triggered a surge in lightning activity: 32 489 cloud‑to‑ground strikes were recorded between 15‑17 July, accounting for about a quarter of the year’s total. Seventeen departments were placed under red vigilance and many more under orange as the drought deepened, with rainfall at 70 % of the normal level.

Consequences extended to water resources: the Observatoire national des étiages reported that 43 % of small French streams were dry or flowing intermittently by early August, affecting 1 373 watercourses nationwide. The severe dryness threatened aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.

The extreme summer also sparked public and policy responses. IKEA promoted inexpensive cooling products such as the REXBEGONIA textile for sleepers, while analysts debated France’s energy mix, questioning the balance between nuclear, renewable and fire‑prevention strategies in light of the record heat.