June 2026 has been confirmed as the hottest June ever recorded in France since 1947, with an average temperature of 22.7 degrees Celsius, significantly above the normal range. This surpasses the previous record set in June 2003 by a notable margin.
A severe heatwave that commenced on June 17 led to unprecedented high temperatures across France from June 22 to 26. June 24 and 25 specifically marked the hottest days ever recorded in the country, with the national average temperature hitting 30 degrees Celsius for the first time in over seven decades.
The intense heatwave persisted until June 30, prompting red heatwave alerts in 72 departments across France, an unprecedented occurrence since the alert system’s establishment in 2004. Additionally, preliminary data indicates a significant rise in all-cause deaths during the heatwave period.
The surge in deaths, particularly among individuals aged 45 and above, highlights the severity of the heatwave’s impact. The data also reveals a substantial increase in deaths at home compared to nursing homes and healthcare facilities, emphasizing the diverse effects of the extreme temperatures.
France faced one of its most severe heatwaves in nearly 80 years between June 22 and 28, as confirmed by Meteo-France’s thermal indicator reaching 30 degrees Celsius on June 24.
