France experiences a record 40 consecutive days of rainfall

The French Meteorological Agency issued a report on the 23rd stating that the country has experienced 40 consecutive days of rainfall since mid-January, setting the record for the longest continuous rainy period since such observations began in 1959. According to the report, since mid-January, under the influence of persistent disturbed airflows, storms such as “Goretti,” “Ingrid,” “Nils,” and “Pedro” have successively hit France, bringing heavy rain across the country, with the western Brittany region, southwestern areas, and the Mediterranean coast being the most affected. The rainfall has saturated the soil, causing flooding in most parts of France. Major to extreme flood events are still impacting western France, threatening safety of people and property. Data from the French Meteorological Agency show that three provinces are currently under red flood warnings, and two provinces are under orange warnings. The report states that February this year has become the wettest February on record since 1959, with rainfall more than twice the long-term average for the month. Overall, the winter of 2025-2026 is expected to be one of the ten wettest winters in France since 1959. (Xinhua)