Weather in France: What to Expect This Week
France is set for a week of varied weather conditions, as forecasted by La Chaîne Météo and Météo France. The northern half of the country faces a rather gloomy outlook with rain and cooler temperatures, while the southern half enjoys much brighter and milder conditions. This divergence is expected to continue throughout the week, providing differing experiences for residents in the north and south.
Mid-Week Forecast
On Wednesday, May 29, the northern half of France will be very rainy and unstable, with even foggy conditions in Finistère. A cold front will bring moderate rain from Pays de la Loire to the Ardennes and dark skies in Alsace. The southern half of the country will enjoy clear skies and mild temperatures, particularly from the Basque Country to Provence and Corsica. However, the afternoon will see the rain losing intensity but still affecting areas from Vendée to Alsace. The north-east will experience more sustained precipitation, while the far south remains summery, especially in Roussillon where it will be hot.
Extended Forecast for the Week
Moving into the end of the week, France will continue to see a mix of weather conditions. Monday will be marked by thunderstorms, particularly in Alsace and the South-East, while the rest of the country will see clearer skies and temperatures ranging from around fifteen degrees in the northern half to slightly under 20°C in the south. Tuesday brings a calmer day with a few showers in the north and clear skies in the south, with temperatures ranging from just over 20°C to 25°C in the south and 15°C to 17°C in the north, except for sunny regions where it will be around twenty degrees.
Wednesday's forecast predicts rain and clouds almost everywhere except in the southernmost regions near the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, where sun will prevail. The wind will pick up in the northern half, with gusts reaching around fifty kilometers per hour. Temperatures will range from 15°C to 18°C in the north and exceed 25°C in Roussillon.
Thursday will bring a contrasting day with a mix of sun, showers, and clouds across the country. The Breton and Normandy coasts and regions around the Mediterranean will be the only areas to enjoy continuous sunshine. Maximum temperatures will remain 3°C-4°C below average in the north, ranging from 16°C to 19°C, and around twenty degrees to nearly 25°C in the south.
Weekend Outlook
Friday promises to be very rainy for most regions, except for areas around the Mediterranean where local storms could form in the Alpes-Maritimes. Temperatures in the north will rise slightly to return to seasonal levels, reaching or even crossing 20°C. In the south, temperatures will be nearly 25°C in Occitanie and between 15°C and 20°C near the Pyrenees. The weekend will also bring more rain, with Saturday being the wetter day. Mediterranean shores and possibly Finistère may escape the rain while temperatures hover around twenty degrees. Sunday will see rain shifting to the eastern half, providing clearer skies elsewhere, with temperatures remaining consistent.
- Throughout the week, France is under the influence of isolated cold air masses, known as cold drops, which can make weather predictions more challenging. These cold drops can cause erratic weather patterns that are difficult to forecast.
- Despite the many rainy and overcast days, temperatures in the southern parts of France will often exceed seasonal averages, offering some respite compared to the cooler northern regions.
- For those planning outdoor activities or important events, it’s essential to stay updated on daily weather forecasts as conditions can change rapidly, particularly due to the unpredictable nature of cold drops and localized thunderstorms.
