France hit by more than 35 days of rain
Al Jazeera
February 19, 2026
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France is experiencing its longest continuous rainfall streak in recorded history, with over 35 days of rain causing widespread floods and raising concerns as Storm Pedro approaches Western Europe. The national weather service, Meteo-France, reported that the record-breaking downpour, which began in early January, has already led to devastating consequences, including flooding across multiple regions.
In western France, authorities have issued red alerts for four departments, warning of severe flood risks. officials expect the situation to worsen with the arrival of Storm Pedro, which is set to bring additional rainfall and potentially exacerbate existing flooding. This storm follows an already unprecedented period of wet weather, with Lucie Chadourne-Facon of Vigicrues stating that new rain could "fuel the current floods." In Bordeaux, emergency plans were activated for the first time since 1999 due to rising water levels.
The flooding has already claimed at least one life in western France when a man's canoe capsized near Chalonnes-sur-Loire. Meanwhile, other areas like Lot-and-Garonne and Jusix in southwestern France have seen homes and roads submerged under floodwaters. Despite the rain expected to taper off by Friday, officials caution that the flooding will persist long after the rains stop.
This extreme weather event highlights the growing challenges of climate change and its impact on European infrastructure and communities. As Storm Pedro approaches, the situation remains critical, with the potential for further damage and disruption across Western Europe. France's record-breaking rainfall and subsequent floods underscore the urgent need for improved flood prevention measures and adaptability to increasingly severe weather patterns.
The prolonged rainy period has already caused significant disruptions, affecting transportation, agriculture, and daily life in affected regions. The situation is expected to remain dire even as the immediate threat of rain subsides, with recovery efforts likely to extend well into the future.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/19/2026