France records more than 50 days of heat in 2026

France has recorded more than 50 days of extreme heat so far in 2026, the highest number in the country’s recorded history.

The country has experienced three consecutive heatwaves this summer: 14 days in June, 16 days in July and a further 22-day period that began at the end of July and is still continuing, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The cumulative total has already surpassed previous records, including 33 hot days recorded in 2022 and 22 in 2003.

The heatwave that began in late July has also become France’s second-longest on record, lasting 22 days so far. The national record was set in July 1983, when a heatwave continued for 23 days.

France’s national weather service, Météo-France, has placed 80 of the 96 departments in mainland France under an orange heat alert, the second-highest level in the country’s warning system. Temperatures in some areas are forecast to reach 38-40 degrees Celsius.

Authorities have also issued orange alerts for wildfire risks in 50 departments, many of them in northwestern France, as hot and dry conditions increase the threat of forest fires.

The prolonged heat is also raising concerns over its economic impact. Monique Barbou, France’s minister for ecological transition, estimated that the recurring heatwaves this summer could cost the country between €10 billion and €15 billion.

By Sabina Mammadli