France end‑July heatwave brings 38°C highs and widespread water restrictions

On 30 July 2026 France experienced a sharp heat spike, with Lyon reaching 38 °C, Paris climbing to 33 °C under a storm risk, and several regions recording temperatures above 35 °C. Forecasts from national and regional services warned of intense sun, elevated UV levels and isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon.

The extreme heat intensified an ongoing drought, pushing 80 % of the country into water‑use restrictions. Sixty‑two French departments declared water‑crisis status, leaving more than 30 000 people without potable water. The French government estimates the episode could cost up to €5.6 billion, while the Global Footprint Network highlighted that the nation’s ecological overshoot now falls on 24 April, earlier than the global date of 30 July. Similar hot‑weather patterns and storm warnings were reported for neighbouring Belgium.

These combined weather and water‑scarcity developments underscore a significant environmental and public‑service challenge for France and the wider region.