France records hottest July since 1900, weather agency says

PARIS, France — France's national meteorological agency said July 2026 was the hottest July recorded across the country since 1900. The agency reported a monthly average temperature of 24.9 degrees Celsius, 3.8 degrees above seasonal norms. Officials said the month also ranked as the second-highest for sunshine duration and the third-lowest for rainfall on record. Rainfall was 70 percent below average, matching the drought levels recorded in 2022. France's Biodiversity Agency reported an unprecedented deterioration in the condition of rivers and water bodies. In response to the drought, water-use restrictions have been imposed in several regions. The findings come as an extreme heat wave affects France and other parts of Europe.