July breaks drought and heat records: 'The issue of water is becoming absolutely critical'

With an average temperature of 24.9°C across the country, July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in mainland France since measurements began in the early twentieth century. The unprecedented heat was accompanied by an equally exceptional level of soil drought, Météo-France warned.

With an average temperature of 24.9°C across the country, July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in mainland France since measurements began in the early twentieth century. The unprecedented heat was accompanied by an equally exceptional level of soil drought, Météo-France warned.