France's hottest June on record as heatwave shatters temperature highs

France experienced its hottest June on record in 2026, with an average temperature of 22.7°C, a significant 3.8°C above seasonal averages. This surpassed previous records set in June 2003 and 2025. The heatwave, which intensified from June 17 to 30, was described as unprecedented, with daily and nightly temperatures reaching historic highs across more than a third of the country.

During the peak of the heatwave, up to 72 departments were placed under red heatwave alert, a first since the system's creation in 2004. Météo France noted that while the 2026 heatwave was more intense than the one in August 2003, it lasted slightly less time. National average temperatures on June 24 and 25, 2026, hit 30°C for the first time, exceeding previous records from 2003 and 2019.

Local temperatures soared even higher, with regions from Nouvelle-Aquitaine to Grand-Est reporting temperatures above 40°C for the first time in some locations, including Strasbourg at 40.4°C and Noirmoutier at 40.1°C. Over 40% of the country surpassed 40°C at least once. Four of the five hottest nights on record also occurred during this period, with a minimum average temperature of 22°C recorded on the night of June 24-25.

Météo France emphasized the exceptional nature of this heatwave occurring in June, stating its intensity was unparalleled compared to previous June heatwaves like those in 1976, 2019, or 2025. The agency directly linked the phenomenon to climate change driven by human greenhouse gas emissions, which is making heatwaves more frequent and intense.