Paris, France, 25 August (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Western France is facing a renewed spell of severe weather on Wednesday, with strong thunderstorms France forecasts warning of locally intense storms, hail, powerful wind gusts and possible surface flooding. Météo-France says conditions will deteriorate notably during the afternoon and evening of 26 August.
Storms to strengthen across western France
Météo-France said several periods of unsettled and stormy weather are affecting the country this week, with potentially dangerous conditions expected particularly in western areas on Wednesday.
The morning is forecast to be comparatively calm, although some showers may occur between Brittany and Vendée and close to France’s northern borders. Conditions are then expected to become increasingly unstable later in the day.
From the Pays de la Loire towards Brittany and Normandy, and into northern Nouvelle-Aquitaine, showers are forecast to become more frequent as the atmosphere turns increasingly humid and unstable.
The principal deterioration is expected during the afternoon and evening, when locally strong thunderstorms could develop across western France.
Hail, strong winds and flooding possible
Météo-France warned that the thunderstorms could produce hail and strong wind gusts, while intense rainfall may lead to localised surface-water flooding and run-off.
Strong winds are also expected over the Pyrenees independently of the main western storm activity. Gusts could temporarily reach 120 km/h on exposed mountain ridges in Ariège, according to the national forecaster.
The strong thunderstorms France forecast follows another period of unsettled conditions. On Tuesday, the previous rain and storm system was moving into north-eastern France and towards Germany, with local rainfall totals of between 20 and 30mm still possible.
Météo-France urges public to follow warnings
Météo-France has advised people to monitor its official weather vigilance service as conditions develop.
Its safety guidance during significant thunderstorms includes seeking shelter in a substantial building, staying away from trees and waterways, protecting property exposed to wind or flooding and avoiding unnecessary travel where dangerous conditions occur.
The agency’s warning is important because thunderstorms can create highly localised hazards, meaning conditions can vary significantly over relatively short distances.
Further storm activity expected later this week
Wednesday’s deterioration forms part of a broader period of unstable weather affecting France.
On Thursday, storms from the previous night are expected to move towards the North-East and weaken during the morning. Isolated thunderstorms could nevertheless develop across the western half of the country.
During Thursday afternoon, another storm axis is forecast to form from the southern Massif Central towards Lorraine, while additional active storm systems could develop farther west, particularly from Normandy to Hauts-de-France.
By Friday morning, the main rain and thunder zone is forecast to move eastwards towards the Rhône valley, North-East, Alps and Jura.
What residents should watch next
Forecasts and official vigilance levels may be updated as the strong thunderstorms France system approaches. Residents and travellers in western regions are therefore advised to check the latest Météo-France warnings before travelling on Wednesday afternoon or evening.
The immediate focus will be on the development and intensity of thunderstorms across western France and whether updated vigilance measures are issued as forecasters obtain greater certainty about the areas facing the strongest conditions.
