France records 52 heatwave days in 2026, AFP says

France has already endured a record 52 days of heatwaves since mid-June, with summer not yet over, according to an AFP analysis of Meteo-France data.

The total exceeds the 33 heatwave days recorded in 2022 and the 22 days recorded during the deadly summer of 2003. AFP said France has now recorded more heatwave days in 2026 than in any other year since records began in 1947.

The 2026 total covers three summer heatwaves in quick succession: a 14-day spell in June, 16 days in July and another lasting 22 days that began in late July and had not been officially declared over as of August 18.

France has had only two breaks, lasting three and eight days, since the first heatwave began on June 17.

AFP said June 24 and 25 were the hottest days ever recorded on average across mainland France, according to the national temperature indicator, which combines daytime and nighttime readings from 30 reference weather stations. The indicator reached 30C, above the previous record set in 2003.

The heatwave that began in late July has become the second-longest recorded nationwide. At 22 days and counting, it was just short of the 23-day heatwave recorded in July 1983.

Extreme heat contributed to more than 15,000 deaths in France in 2003, but that year's main heatwave was concentrated over about two weeks in August after a less severe week-long episode in June. AFP said the August 2003 heatwave remains the most severe observed to date, based on an indicator combining heat duration and intensity.

Meteo-France defines a national heatwave as a period lasting several days during which temperatures are significantly higher than normal. A heatwave begins when the national temperature indicator reaches or exceeds 25.3C for one day and the national average remains at or above 23.4C for at least three consecutive days.

More than half of the 54 heatwaves France has experienced since 1947 have occurred since 2010.