France is experiencing another spell of unusually warm and dry weather as autumn begins, with temperatures remaining significantly above seasonal averages across much of the country. The national weather service, Météo-France, warned on September 22 that the combination of continued heat and a lack of rainfall is worsening drought conditions and maintaining an unusually high wildfire risk.

Temperatures in southern France are expected to remain above 30°C in several locations during the week, with parts of the southwest potentially reaching 32–33°C. The persistence of dry conditions is particularly notable because the calendar has now entered autumn.

Historic Lack of Rain

Météo-France reported that rainfall across the country has been exceptionally limited during September. Since the beginning of the meteorological autumn, only one day with rainfall exceeding 1 millimetre was recorded nationally before September 22.

Rainfall totals in several regions are dramatically below normal September levels. Some areas along the English Channel had received only around 10 millimetres, while parts of southern France had received just 5–10 millimetres. Normal September rainfall in many of these areas is considerably higher.

Several cities had reportedly gone weeks without meaningful rainfall, further intensifying soil dryness and pressure on water resources.

Drought Conditions Continue

The national soil-moisture indicator has reached an exceptionally low level for September. Météo-France reported that, as of September 20, around 84% of France was experiencing a level of drought that would statistically occur about once every decade for that month.

The situation is particularly severe across parts of southern and eastern France. In some locations, soil dryness has reached levels not previously observed during this period of the year.

Water restrictions have also affected numerous departments. According to Météo-France, 93 departments were subject to water-use restrictions as of September 10, with 74 at the highest “crisis” level.

Wildfire Season Extends Into Autumn

The combination of dry vegetation, strong winds and above-average temperatures is keeping wildfire danger elevated.

Météo-France said the 2026 wildfire season has been exceptionally long, beginning early and continuing later into the year than usual. On September 21, several departments in southeastern France reached the highest wildfire-danger category.

The agency noted that the highest “red” wildfire-danger level had never previously been recorded so late in the year since the country’s forest-fire weather warning system was introduced.

The Mediterranean region remains particularly vulnerable because vegetation has become highly dry after months of heat and insufficient rainfall.

A Record-Breaking Summer

The current autumn drought follows an extraordinary summer.

Météo-France reported that summer 2026 was the hottest summer in France since nationwide measurements began in 1900. The average temperature for June, July and August reached 24°C, which was 3.6°C above the long-term average.

The summer also saw three separate heatwave episodes lasting a combined 53 days. During the season, 90% of French territory experienced at least one day with temperatures of 35°C or higher, while 45% experienced temperatures of at least 40°C at least once.

Rainfall was also substantially below normal, contributing to severe dryness and creating conditions favourable for wildfires.

Climate Change Connection

Météo-France says droughts are becoming more frequent, severe and earlier in the year as temperatures rise. Higher temperatures increase evaporation, which can accelerate the loss of moisture from soils and intensify water deficits.

The agency’s climate projections indicate that future warming could lead to substantially longer periods of soil dryness and a longer wildfire season in several parts of France.

However, individual weather events are influenced by multiple factors, including atmospheric circulation, rainfall patterns and natural climate variability. The current conditions therefore need to be assessed as part of both the immediate weather pattern and longer-term climate trends.

What Happens Next?

Météo-France expects the current dry and warm conditions to continue through much of the week. Some northern areas could eventually receive rainfall toward the weekend, but the agency says the immediate outlook remains predominantly dry.

This means that soil moisture could continue to decline before meaningful rainfall arrives.

Authorities and emergency services will therefore continue monitoring wildfire conditions, particularly in areas where vegetation is already severely dried out.

The combination of persistent heat, limited rainfall and dry vegetation has made September an unusually challenging month for France’s water and wildfire-management systems.

As autumn progresses, the arrival and intensity of rainfall will be critical in determining whether drought conditions begin to ease or continue into the later part of the year.