France faces severe drought as September records near-historic heat and rain deficit
September 2026 was the second-warmest on record and the third-driest since 1958, pushing France into the highest water-restriction level across most departments.
According to Météo-France, September 2026 was 3.1 °C hotter than the 1991-2020 average, ranking as the second-warmest September in French history and the third-driest since records began in 1958. Rainfall was roughly 70 % below normal, leaving the nation with a pronounced rainfall deficit and historically dry soils. The national soil-drought index hit a level never before seen for October, with conditions that typically occur only once every decade now covering almost all of France, especially the southwest-to-northeast corridor.
Since March, no month has recorded above-average precipitation, exacerbating the drought. Ministry data show more than 81 300 people depend on bottled water or tankers for daily needs, and 79 départements have entered the highest "crise" alert, imposing bans on all non-priority water use. Isolated heavy rains in the south have not alleviated the widespread soil drought, and temperatures are expected to rise again over the weekend.
Why it matters
The drought threatens water supplies for millions and may impact agriculture, ecosystems, and daily life across France.
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