June 2026 becomes hottest June ever recorded in France
Paris, July 4
June 2026 became the hottest June ever recorded in France since records began in 1947, with an average temperature of 22.7 degrees Celsius, 3.8 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 normal, Meteo-France said Friday in its monthly climate report.
According to the public weather service, June 2026 surpassed the previous record set in June 2003, when temperatures were 3.5 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average.
A historic heatwave that began on June 17 pushed temperatures to unprecedented levels across the country from June 22 to 26, reports Xinhua news agency.
Meteo-France said June 24 and 25 were the hottest days ever recorded in France, regardless of the month, with the national 24-hour average temperature reaching 30 degrees Celsius for the first time since 1947.
The heatwave, which was early, long-lasting and very intense, continued until June 30.
A total of 72 departments in France were placed under red heatwave alert, an unprecedented level since the alert system was created in 2004, according to Meteo-France.
Meanwhile, preliminary surveillance data showed that 2,025 excess all-cause deaths were recorded in France during the heatwave from June 22 to 28, representing a 29.1 per cent increase from the previous week, the country's public health agency said on Friday.
The data, based on electronic death certificates, currently cover about 60 per cent of national mortality, which means that the actual death toll could be higher than these preliminary figures.
By age group, the increase in deaths was concentrated among people aged 45 and over, with 2,001 additional deaths recorded compared with the previous week, up 29.7 per cent. By place of death, the sharpest increase was recorded at home, where deaths rose 91 per cent, compared with increases of 37 per cent in nursing homes and 19.7 per cent in healthcare facilities.
Between June 22 and 28, France experienced one of its most intense heatwaves in nearly 80 years. According to Meteo-France, the national thermal indicator reached 30 degrees Celsius over a 24-hour period on June 24.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who follows global weather patterns, this is alarming. 30°C average temperature for a 24-hour period? Even in India, we usually see that in specific regions, not as a national average. The 29% increase in excess deaths is tragic. Hope France takes stronger adaptation measures.
I visited France in 2023 and it was already hot. But this is next level. Our own summers in India are tough, but we have some coping mechanisms like siestas and aam panna. Europe needs to rethink urban planning and cooling systems. 2025 excess deaths in just a few days is heartbreaking. 😞
Reading this makes me think of the 2003 European heatwave that killed thousands. Are we really learning anything? 3.8°C above average is catastrophic. Meanwhile, many governments still prioritize economic growth over climate resilience. We need more ambitious policies, not just headlines.
The fact that most deaths were at home (91% increase) shows that many people, especially elderly, didn't have access to cooling. In India, we still see similar stories during heatwaves. We must prioritize affordable air conditioning and green spaces for all. Good reporting from Xinhua, but action speaks louder.
One critique: This highlights the inequality in climate impacts even in developed nations. Red alerts for 72 departments – but were the most vulnerable populations adequately warned? The 2,025 excess deaths is a failure of public health systems, not just weather. We need better early warning and community outreach.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.