Since June 16, 2026, Météo-France, the national weather service of France, has updated its method for measuring wind gusts. Previously, it recorded the highest wind speed at any given moment, known as the instantaneous measurement. Now, it uses the maximum average over 3 seconds, a method recommended by the World Meteorological Organization. This change aligns French measurements with those of other European countries and aims to better reflect the actual damage caused by wind, such as to buildings or trees. While the wind itself has not changed, the way it is measured has, which affects how historical records are interpreted. For example, the wind speed recorded during the storm Lothar, previously listed at 169 km/h, is now 155 km/h under the new method. This does not mean the storm was weaker; rather, the new calculation provides a more accurate depiction of the wind's impact over time. Both the old instantaneous and new 3-second average measurements are still publicly available, but users must be careful when comparing recent data with older records. A direct comparison could lead to confusion, as the two methods reflect different ways of measuring the same phenomenon. During the storm Goretti at the end of September 2026, wind gusts reached 161 km/h in Cherbourg, and waves near the Brest harbor rose to 8.4 meters. However, these figures were recorded using the instantaneous method, which is now being phased out in favor of the 3-second average measurement. Météo-France also undertook a review of historical data and found that less than 4% of the records before November 2025 had overestimated wind speeds. These errors have been corrected and replaced on the public website. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) remains cautious about future storm activity in Europe. It does not indicate any signs of increasing wind strength in France. This change in measurement is purely about improving accuracy in assessing wind damage, not suggesting any climate change or intensification of weather patterns. Users are encouraged to consult the correct measurement type when reviewing weather data to avoid misinterpretation.