top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon
Explore
arrow down

Half of France on storms alert as wildfire risk intensifies in south

A warning has been issued to more than 50 departments over storms on Wednesday afternoon and into the night

Those in the north should be careful if driving today (May 10) Pic: George Dolgikh / Shutterstock

Another week, another weather warning – more than half of France is on alert due to stormy conditions.

Less than a week after storms hit weekend plans for those celebrating the coronation in France, Météo France is once again issuing warnings.

More than 50 departments – almost exclusively in the north of France – are facing tier two ‘yellow’ alerts.

The storms are expected to be short-lived, however. By Thursday (May 11) all departments except two will see the warnings lifted. 

Storm warnings from Brittany to the German border

Aside from Alpes-Maritimes in the south, all departments issued with storm warnings are in the northern half of France, from Brittany to the German border.

The storm warnings in these departments are already in place - at the time of writing [Wednesday morning] - and set to last until at least midnight.

Four departments are facing yellow warnings for river floods – two that border the Rhine (Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin), as well as Isère and Savoie.

These two departments, alongside Haute-Savoie and Hautes-Alpes, also have yellow avalanche warnings.

You can keep up to date with all warnings through the official Météo France Vigilance website.

As a reminder, yellow warnings indicate people should be careful when outside and keep informed of local weather reports.

Read also: ‘Face the reality’: France ‘must prepare’ for +4C global warming

Wildfire risk heightened in the south of France

Temperatures will be slightly cooler thanks to the storms but will still average around 13C – 15C in the north.

In the south, temperatures of roughly 20C will be seen around the Mediterranean – but there will be some rain in the south-west of the country.

Of greater concern are strong winds in the area, which have increased the threat of wildfires along the Mediterranean coast over the next 24 hours.

La Chaine Météo says gusts of up to 80km/h will quickly dry out the ground after rain over recent days.

Related articles

Maximum alert: Drought crisis declared in parts of southern France

Warmer summer? Météo France gives three-month weather trends outlook

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France