France records third driest summer since 1958

France experienced its third driest summer since 1958 during the summer of 2026. According to data from Météo-France, the country saw an average rainfall deficit of approximately 40% across the national territory.

The drought was characterized by repeated heatwaves and extremely low soil moisture levels. July 2026 was particularly severe, recording a national average rainfall deficit of nearly 70%. The dry conditions were exacerbated by insufficient precipitation beginning in the spring, following a winter and spring that were already marked by low rainfall.