France faces historic drought after an exceptionally dry September

11:42

By: Azzat Manal

France faces historic drought after an exceptionally dry September

France is facing an unusually severe drought as September draws to a close, with rainfall almost entirely absent across much of the country following a summer marked by persistent heat and dry conditions.

According to data from France’s national weather service, only one day between September 1 and 20 recorded more than one millimetre of rainfall nationwide. Total precipitation during that period reached just 8.2 millimetres, highlighting the exceptional lack of rain for this time of year.

Meteorologists attribute the situation partly to the repeated presence of high-pressure systems over and around France. These conditions have weakened weather disturbances and prevented potentially rain-bearing systems from delivering significant precipitation.

The rainfall deficit has been particularly striking in several regions. Areas near the English Channel received less than 10 millimetres of rain, compared with a usual September average of around 60 to 70 millimetres. In southern France, rainfall totals generally remained between five and 10 millimetres, while cities including Paris, Nice, Ajaccio and Romorantin had recorded no rainfall since the beginning of the month.

Some forecasts suggest that September 2026 could become one of the driest Septembers recorded in France. While meteorologists have cautioned that it is still too early to determine whether the month will set an absolute record, current conditions could place it among the three driest Septembers observed since 1958.

The drought is also clearly reflected in soil moisture levels. Rainfall received during the second half of August had temporarily improved ground conditions, but that benefit had disappeared by September 22. The national soil-moisture indicator was still at an exceptionally low level for this stage of the year.

By September 20, around 84% of France’s territory was experiencing a degree of drought that would normally occur only once every decade. Some areas, including parts of Languedoc-Roussillon, Dordogne, Corrèze and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, were facing particularly unprecedented conditions.

Forecasters expect potentially more significant rainfall between September 28 and 30, especially in western France. However, even a return of wetter weather is unlikely to immediately restore depleted soil-water reserves, as the intensity and duration of the current dry spell have left a substantial deficit.

The situation highlights the growing importance of water management and climate resilience as France faces increasingly pronounced swings between extreme heat, prolonged dry periods and episodes of heavy rainfall.