Unsettled Weather to Return This Weekend After Several Days of Spring Sunshine

After an exceptionally sunny and mild spell since late March, the weather across France is set for a significant shift. Starting Saturday, April 12, unsettled conditions will return, bringing rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds, as the high-pressure system currently in place gives way.

One Last Breath of Warmth Before the Weather Turns

Until Friday, pleasant weather will continue to prevail over much of the country, thanks to a high-pressure system stretching from the Mediterranean to the British Isles. Temperatures are expected to exceed 20°C in the north and reach up to 25°C in the southwest.

Storms, Rain, and Gusts in Store for the Weekend

On Saturday, cloud cover will increase from the west, signalling the arrival of unstable conditions. The northwest will see the first showers, while the southwest is expected to experience stormy weather by late afternoon and evening, with the potential for hail, according to Météo-France. The Autan wind will strengthen as early as Friday, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h on Saturday. Southerly winds will also pick up in the Rhône Valley and the Saône region, blowing at speeds of up to 70 km/h.

Only the eastern part of the country will remain under sunny skies on Saturday, with temperatures hovering around 20°C.

Cloudy and Rainy Sunday Ahead

The weather system will sweep across the country overnight into Sunday, bringing widespread cloud cover. Locally heavy rainfall is expected from Languedoc to the Italian border, with occasional thunderstorms from the Pyrenees to the Grand Est region. In the Alps, snowfall is anticipated above 2,500 meters, while rain will rapidly melt lower-altitude snow. Météo-France has issued a warning for potential flooding in the Alps and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region due to the combination of significant rainfall and snowmelt.

In the west and north, Sunday will bring more scattered showers, with some brief sunny spells possible. Easterly to southeasterly winds will be noticeable along the Provençal coast and around Corsican capes.

Despite the deteriorating conditions, mild temperatures will linger in the morning (around 10°C), before dipping slightly in the afternoon, with highs staying below 20°C.

More Unsettled Weather Next Week

The gloomy conditions are likely to continue into the coming week. With low-pressure systems dominating, Mediterranean regions can expect stormy rains on Monday and Tuesday, while the rest of the country will face continued showers and overcast skies. Temperatures are expected to remain near seasonal norms.