Cooler and drier: French weekend weather outlook July 13 - 14

Storms should be over by traditional firework celebrations for France’s national day

Those planning to celebrate July 14 should not need to rearrange plans due to weather
Published Modified

Storms continue across much of France today (July 12) with around half of departments facing weather warnings. Three of the alerts are at heightened tier-three orange levels: Ain, Savoie, and Haute-Savoie.

A series of storms that began in the west yesterday are now hovering across central and eastern parts of France, as well as in Normandy and parts of Occitanie.

The storms are set to bring over 150 mm of rainfall to some areas and have already dropped temperatures across much of the country, particularly in the south-west. 

Highs in Toulouse will be around 22C, significantly cooler than the 34C recorded on Thursday. Only the Mediterranean coastline and parts of Provence will be unaffected by temperature drops. 

Storms should be over by weekend celebrations

However there is good news for those planning to celebrate France’s national day.

Read more: La Fête Nationale: 14 facts about France's national holiday July 14

Saturday July 13

Cooler temperatures than at the beginning of the week, around 3C lower than usual for mid-July, are expected.

In the north, it will be significantly cooler, closer to 17C near the Belgian border.

Showers are expected along the western coastline but throughout the day the final remnants of storms in the west will fade away although some rain and grey skies will remain.

In the evening no rain nor storms are expected anywhere and planned festivities, such as midnight fireworks to bring in July 14, should be able to go ahead.

Read more: Do I need permission to have a garden party on July 14? Are fireworks allowed?

Sunday July 14 

Temperatures will remain slightly cooler than average across France, particularly in the morning, but may still reach 30C in several areas of the north and south. 

Rain is currently not forecast except for possible showers in Hauts-de-France. 

Early forecasts for next week are an end to stormy weather and for temperatures to return to July averages. Some rain is expected in the north from Tuesday onwards.