93,000 lightning strikes during storms: Hail and heavy rain hit several regions of France

Paris - 16 July 2026: After an exceptionally thunderstorm-rich night and an unsettled Wednesday, powerful thunderstorms are once again moving across parts of France. According to the weather service, around 93,000 lightning strikes were recorded nationwide on July 15, including approximately 13,300 ground strikes. The storm fronts caused significant local damage, flooded transport routes and difficult conditions for emergency services and road users.Regions in the west, as well as the center and east of the country, were particularly affected on Wednesday. Electrical activity was concentrated, among other areas, in Pays ...