France Experiences Unprecedented Flooding and Rainfall in Historic February 2026

France has faced an exceptional winter in 2025-2026 marked by record-breaking precipitation and widespread flooding, with February 2026 becoming the wettest month since 1959. According to Météo-France, the month saw rainfall levels double the normal amount, reaching a 100% surplus compared to typical averages. Cities such as Quimper recorded remarkable rainfall totals of 798 mm, Montpellier 526 mm, and Millau 463 mm, while reports indicate rain on over two-thirds of the days in February.

This extraordinary rainfall led to severe flooding events, notably along the Charente River in Saintes, where over a thousand homes were inundated. The Maine River overflowed in Angers, and the Garonne River returned to its banks between Tonneins and Cadillac. Overall, the winter season experienced a 35% excess in rainfall, ranking it among the top eight wettest winters on record.

Alongside the heavy rains, temperatures were also abnormally high. February 2026 was the second warmest February since 1900, with temperatures averaging 3.5°C above the 1991-2020 baseline. Climatologist Christine Berne noted a historic record of forty consecutive days of precipitation starting from January, highlighting the persistent nature of these conditions.

Experts attribute these extreme weather patterns to ongoing climate change, which has progressively increased global temperatures since the late 19th century, thereby intensifying precipitation events. The combination of heavy and prolonged rainfall has significantly impacted communities and underscored the vulnerability of France’s regions to climate-induced extreme weather.

The unprecedented severity of flooding and rainfall this winter has prompted heightened attention to France’s preparedness and response mechanisms ahead of future climate challenges.