France sets record for heatwave days in summer 2026
France experienced 52 days of heatwaves since mid-June 2026, breaking its previous national record for the most heatwave days in a single summer.
Key Takeaways
AIFrance has set a new record for the number of heatwave days during the summer of 2026, with the country experiencing 52 days of high temperatures since mid-June—surpassing the previous record of 33 days set in 2022.
According to Agence France-Presse, citing data from the national meteorological service Météo-France, the country endured three consecutive heatwaves this summer: the first lasting 14 days in June, the second for 16 days in July, and the third stretching 22 days from late July to August 18.
2026 is now the year most affected by heatwaves in France since climate records began in 1947. On June 24 and 25, the country also recorded its highest-ever average daily temperatures, exceeding the previous record set in 2003.
Impact of prolonged heatwaves
The heatwaves coincided with widespread drought and wildfires in parts of Europe, amid warnings that climate change is intensifying extreme weather events.