In July 2006, France experienced a particularly intense heat wave. Temperatures, which had already been high since the second ten-day period of June, rose gradually, reaching remarkable levels between July 10 and 28. Although both minimum and maximum temperatures were significantly lower than those observed during the August 2003 heat wave, the July heat wave was notable for its exceptional duration, lasting nineteen days. Temperatures then began to gradually cool off starting on July 29, though the intense heat persisted in the Southeast until the end of the month. This heatwave played a major role in making July 2006 the hottest July in France since 1950, surpassing July 1983. Across all months, it was also the second-hottest month in France since 1950, behind August 2003. (R.A.)