Overview
- Météo‑France reported on Friday that September 2026 averaged +3.1°C above the 1991–2020 norm, making it the second‑warmest September since 1900.
- Three successive heat episodes marked the month, with the strongest from 3–8 September producing daytime highs about 4.5°C above normal and local peaks up to +6°C.
- Nationwide precipitation fell roughly 70% below normal in September, placing the month as the third‑driest since 1958 and continuing a stretch with no rainfall surplus since March 2026.
- A late‑month Mediterranean storm on 29–30 September delivered very heavy, highly localized rain in the Cévennes with totals up to about 340 mm but provided only partial, local relief to the broader drought.
- Sunshine was well above normal across most of France and lightning activity was unusually low, and the combined warmth and lack of rain have tangible effects on soil moisture, water resources and agriculture going into autumn.