According to an analysis by AFP based on European Drought Observatory data, approximately 95% of metropolitan France and 99% of Switzerland experienced drought conditions in July, marking two records since the beginning of the data of the European Drought Observatory in 2012. The data, compiled by the European Union’s Copernicus programme using satellite observations of precipitation, soil moisture, and vegetation, also showed record July dryness in Hungary at 94%, Slovenia at 93%, and Austria at 91%. Across the European Union, more than half of all soils are dry, making it the second driest July after 2022.
Record Soil Dryness and Hydrogeological Stress in France
The Bureau de recherches géologiques et minières (BRGM) reported that hydrogeological drought worsened across France in July due to repeated heatwaves and rising water extractions, leaving nearly two thirds of groundwater tables below normal levels. By August 1, nearly all underground water reserves in metropolitan France present declining levels and the situation of the nappes «se dégrade», as the French Geological Survey noted in its monthly bulletin. According to the BRGM, the summer draining of water tables proved particularly strong this year in connection with the deficit of effective rainfall in July and the increase in water demand for various uses, notably agricultural and tourist. Météo-France data show that July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in France and the 3rd July with the lowest precipitation with a rain deficit of nearly 70% nationally.
Driven by three months of heatwaves, the government indicated that nearly 70% of France is subject to water use restrictions, with a crisis meeting scheduled for Wednesday. The Ministry of Ecological Transition stated that while France is experiencing a particularly intense drought, the effects of climate change continue to accentuate tensions on water resources and nearly 70% of the French territory is subject to water use restrictions. Au niveau de crise, l’eau est réservée aux usages prioritaires: santé, sécurité civile, eau potable, salubrité.
Heatwave Plans Activated Across Swiss Cantons
Following a few days of respite, les plans canicule vaudois sont à nouveau activés ce lundi, annonce l’État de Vaud. This decision comes as the Lake Geneva basin is placed in heatwave grade 3 since Sunday and temperatures are expected to climb until the end of the week. Le Canton de Genève en a fait de même.
Did You Know? The European Drought Observatory utilizes satellite observations combining precipitation, soil moisture, and vegetation state to track environmental stress across member states.
Historic Low Water Levels Disrupt European Rivers
While Polish Energy Minister Milosz Motyka assured the public by indicating not expecting any interruption or limitation of electricity supply, forecasts point to above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall that could aggravate this drought phenomenon.
Wildfires Escalate Across Europe and North America
Wildfires continued to burn across multiple regions amid severe drought and high temperatures.
La Protection civile a également ordonné l’évacuation d’Agios Stylianos, un village proche de Kouvaras.
Au total, plus de 20 000 personnes ont été évacuées.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of France and Switzerland experienced drought in July?
According to AFP analyses of European Drought Observatory data, approximately 95% of metropolitan France and 99% of Switzerland were affected by drought in July, setting records since monitoring began in 2012.
Why are water restrictions in place across France?
The Ministry of Ecological Transition reported that nearly 70% of France is subject to water restrictions due to intense drought intensified by recurring heatwaves over three months, placing 99 departments under vigilance, 21 under reinforced alert, and 67 in crisis status.
What is the status of navigation on the Rhine River?
The German Inland Navigation Federation warned that low water levels at Kaub are projected to drop below 10 centimeters, which could render the Rhine unnavigable across its continuous course and split it in two.
How are local communities responding to the ongoing heatwaves and water shortages across Europe?