The exceptional drought expected to hit France in 2026 is likely to have even more severe economic consequences than that of 2022. The Minister for Ecological Transition, Monique Barbut, estimated that the total cost will exceed the €5,6 billion recorded four years ago. She noted that the 2022 episode caused €3,5 billion in damage related to cracks in homes built on clay soils, €1,1 billion in agricultural losses, and a 20% drop in hydroelectric production.
According to the minister, several indicators are now reaching levels comparable to those of the major droughts of 1976 and 2022. The new heat wave expected this week should further accentuate the phenomenon, with consequences for water resources, crops, infrastructure and electricity production.
Water restrictions in almost the entire country
The water situation remains particularly worrying. To date, 99 departments are under surveillance or subject to water use restrictions, including 62 in a crisis situation, the highest alert level. Authorities are repeatedly urging people to respect the restrictions on irrigation, watering, and certain domestic uses in order to preserve available reserves.
Monique Barbut reiterated that respecting these measures is "a duty," while some representatives of the agricultural sector are contesting the restrictions in place. For the government, the increasing frequency of droughts confirms the need to adapt water management policies and strengthen preventative measures in the face of the consequences of climate change.
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