France recorded 2026 as the hottest summer

In France, the summer of 2026 was recorded as the hottest summer since meteorological observations began in 1900. The country experienced several severe heatwaves.

The heatwave observed in France at the end of June set a record with its extremely high intensity. During this period, 2,025 excess deaths related to the heat were recorded. Deaths increased particularly among the population over 45 years of age.

The next heatwave, which lasted from late July to August, persisted for 23 days, repeating the record set in 1983. It was during this period that major forest fires occurred even in the usually cool and humid regions of France.

According to Meteo France, the average temperature across the country in the summer of 2026 was 24 degrees. This is 3.6 degrees higher than the usual average. Precipitation also decreased sharply during the summer, with a deficit of nearly 40 percent observed. This was the second driest summer since observations began.

The French government is developing new measures to adapt to climate change. The Minister of the Environment stated that the relevant conclusions will be presented by the end of September, including a five-year funding plan.

In the summer of 2026, millions of people in France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and other European countries experienced extreme heat. Europe is considered the continent that has been warming nearly twice as fast as other regions of the world since the 1980s.

Scientists say this assessment is conservative and the actual situation could be even more severe.

High air temperatures mostly affected those over 85 years of age. In this age group, 7,040 people died. Approximately 3,450 deaths were observed among those aged 75–84, and 2,170 deaths among those aged 65–74. Additionally, 1,320 deaths occurred among those under 65.