Unprecedented Warmth Sweeps Across France
France has experienced an extraordinary warm spell, with multiple February temperature records shattered across the country on February 25 and 26, 2026. Meteorological agency Météo-France described the conditions as 'temperatures worthy of May', with readings significantly above seasonal averages. The highest temperatures were recorded in the southwest, where the mercury climbed close to 29°C.
Among the most notable records, Pomps in Pyrénées-Atlantiques reached 28.4°C (83.1°F), surpassing its previous February record of 28.2°C set in 2019. Nearby Orthez recorded 28.3°C (82.9°F), beating its 2020 record of 27.1°C and registering approximately 14°C (25°F) above the seasonal norm. Other areas in the southwest also saw exceptional highs:
- Biarritz: 27°C (80.6°F), 14°C above typical February averages
- Pau: 26°C (78.8°F)
- Mont-de-Marsan (Landes): 25°C
- Toulouse (Haute-Garonne): 22°C
- Cérizols (Ariège): 24.6°C (76.3°F)
- Lavaur (Tarn): 24.1°C (75.4°F)
The warmth extended northward, with forecast highs reaching 21°C in Bourges, 20°C in Paris, 19°C in Rennes, and 18°C in Lille, representing 8–11°C above normal values for late winter. Over 130 seasonal heat records were broken across France on February 25 alone.
Spain Also Experiences Record-Breaking February
Neighboring Spain also reported unprecedented high temperatures for February. The Basque city of Bilbao broke its all-time record for the highest temperature in February on February 24, 2026, with the mercury climbing to 27.1°C at Bilbao airport. This surpassed the previous high of 26.9°C set in 2019 and marked the highest temperature ever recorded in the city during the winter months. Other record February temperatures were observed in Salamanca (23.5°C), Avila (21°C), and Caceres (23.3°C).
Meteorological Factors Behind the Warmth
The unseasonably warm conditions across France and Spain are primarily attributed to a dominant high-pressure wind system from the Azores positioned over central Europe. This system, combined with southerly winds, brought warm air masses from North Africa across the region. The foehn effect, a warm, dry downslope wind, also contributed to the elevated temperatures, particularly in areas like northern Spain where it can raise temperatures by up to 14°C in a matter of hours.
Broader Climate Context
This recent warm spell follows a period of significant rainfall in France, with February 2026 being one of the wettest on record since 1959, experiencing more than twice the usual rainfall. Meteorological experts, including Météo-France, note that such unseasonable conditions are becoming increasingly common in the context of climate change, which is increasing the frequency and range of these extreme weather phenomena. Globally, February 2024 was recorded as the warmest February on record, with European temperatures 3.30°C above the 1991-2020 average, highlighting a broader trend of rising temperatures.
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