Weather Forecast for November 18: Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected
The weather forecast for Monday, November 18, indicates a significant change across northern France, with rain and strong winds arriving from the British Isles. According to La Chaîne Météo, clouds will dominate over two-thirds of the country, and the calm start to the day will be disrupted by incoming storms. A raincoat will be essential, especially near the Channel, where winds could gust up to 60 km/h.
Temperatures will vary, with a cool morning ranging from 3 to 6°C in many areas, and slightly warmer temperatures of 10°C near the Channel and Mediterranean. By the afternoon, rain will intensify, particularly in Brittany, Normandy, and Hauts-de-France, where wind gusts may reach 70 km/h. The Paris basin will also see the first drops of rain around 3 p.m., while southern regions will enjoy calmer weather with more sunshine.
As the evening approaches, caution is advised as a gale is expected to sweep through the northern third of the country, with gusts potentially reaching 80 km/h under sustained rain. The situation will worsen overnight, leading to a very disturbed weather pattern with heavy rain and snow in mountainous areas.
Significant Rainfall and Flooding Risks
The upcoming weather disturbance is expected to bring substantial rainfall, with Météo France warning that areas in Normandy and Hauts-de-France could experience the equivalent of two to three weeks of rain within just 24 hours. This could lead to significant flooding, particularly in the Pas-de-Calais region, where accumulations of 60 to 90 mm are anticipated.
On Tuesday, the storm will continue to affect a large northern half of France, with wind gusts expected to reach up to 90 km/h near the coast and 110 km/h in the North, particularly around Dunkirk. While these wind speeds are below storm levels, they pose risks in urban areas due to the potential for falling debris. Météo France has issued a yellow alert for the Seine-Maritime department, advising residents to remain vigilant as conditions worsen.
In summary, residents in northern France should prepare for a challenging weather scenario with heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding as the storm system moves through the region.