July 2022 is the driest ever recorded in France

July 2022 is officially the driest July since records began for Weather report France, that is to say since 1959: the deficit of precipitation reached -88% nationwide, with an average of only 9.7 mm in France during the month. All months combined, it is also the 2^e driest month, after March 1961 (7.8 mm).

The soil humidity index is at its lowest in Corsica, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, the Rhône Valley and Pays de la Loire. In Corsica, the deficit is striking: -96%, or only 0.6 mm of precipitation in one month!

This Tuesday, August 2, the all French departments is affected by drought decrees, at more or less significant levels. Almost half of these departments are placed at a “crisis” level, in particular in the south-east and in the centre, but also in the north-west and in the Rhône valley. Even the capital has been placed on drought alert, a rare occurrence.

No rainy improvement is to be expected for the next fortnight: apart from a few thunderstorms, precipitation will remain almost non-existent at least until August 15th.

The 3^e hottest july on record

In terms of temperatures, July 2022 is placed at 3^e ranking of the hottest months of July, with an average temperature of 23.2°C. L’anomaly is +2.1°C over the month compared to the average for the month. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Corsica, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Occitanie regions all showed temperature anomalies of +2 to +3°C over the month. On the other hand, July 2006 (average 24.4°C) and July 1983 (average 23.4°C) still top the ranking of the hottest months of July.