Weather alerts: Half of France on alert for high winds

The northern half of France is set to be buffeted by strong winds for the first few days of 2024, with 60 departments on alert. Several departments are also at risk of flooding and avalanches.

Monday, January 1

The gales are forecast to spread across much of northern France, growing in intensity throughout the day.

They are expected to be strongest in Morbihan and Finistère (Brittany), which Météo France has placed on high alert (orange alert), with gusts of up to 90km/h forecast in Brest.

The Pas-de-Calais (Hauts-de-France) is also on high alert due to the danger of local water courses flooding.

In addition, 25 departments are on (yellow) alert, in particular due to:

• Coastal flooding along the Atlantic coast
• Avalanches in the Alpine regions
• Snowfall and ice across the Alps and in Cantal
• Local floods and high winds across the northern half of France

Tuesday, January 2

The gales will continue to grow in intensity through Monday night, spreading further south.

A total of 60 departments have been placed on alert due to high winds, which are expected to reach up to 85km/h along the Normandy coast.

General outlook

Strong winds and overcast in the north with blustery showers on Tuesday.

The south will see sunny and settled weather on Monday, becoming overcast and unsettled on Tuesday, with strong winds in Nice.

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