France’s new cold but dry spell eases flood risk for the north

The tier-four red alert for flooding raised for Pas-de-Calais in north France was lifted this morning (January 5) after river levels fell slightly overnight.

The department was placed on the highest alert level on Tuesday after the river Aa burst its banks, with towns and villages facing severe flooding.

Lower-than-expected rainfall yesterday (January 4) has helped to reduce river levels, although meteorologists warn showers today may cause them to remain at current levels before a further drop over the weekend.

Three other departments in the north (Nord, Ardennes, Meuse) also face tier-three warnings over river flooding after heavy rainfall at the start of the week.

There are tier-two warnings in place for river flooding/high river levels in a number of other departments in north and north-west France, caused by the rainfall earlier this week.

There are also scattered warnings for storms – particularly in the coastal south-west – avalanches, and icy driving conditions.

You can keep up to date with official weather warnings on the Météo France website, and on river levels near you using the official Vigicrues website.

Cold weather helps lower river levels

France’s incoming cold snap, set to bring the national average temperature below 0C for the first time in almost six years, is one of the main causes of the reduction in flood warning level.

The incoming northern winds are bitterly cold, but largely dry, with much of France predicted to be free from rainfall over the weekend, including crucially the north.

Aside from showers this morning, no rain is forecast in the Pas-de-Calais area until at least next weekend, giving rivers a chance to return to normal levels.

The east, however, is likely to suffer from rain and snowfall, particularly at the beginning of next week.

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