French weekend weather forecast February 21 - 22: calm but flood alerts remain

A return to calm weather is forecast for the south of France, following the successive passages of Storms Nils and Pedro. 

While rainfall will be limited to drizzle in the north, the risk of river flooding is expected to remain in several areas of the south-west throughout the weekend. 

Friday February 20 

Friday sets the tone for the weekend as a contrast between conditions in the north and south emerges. 

Grey skies dominate the north, with showers falling from Normandy to the German border and in several central areas.

The Mediterranean however will be mostly sunny, with only wispy clouds – if any – and no rain. 

A grey start in the south-west will be accompanied by some drizzle, but any rain should clear by the afternoon even if grey skies remain.

Red alerts for river flooding remain in the Maine-et-Loire and Charente-Maritime departments, alongside the Loire-Atlantique. 

Significant rainfall is not forecast in these departments today – or at any point during the weekend – however recent conditions mean river levels are well above usual. 

Several other departments in the west remain on a tier-three orange alert for river flooding. Further information can be found via the Vigicrues website. 

Even without rain, waterlogged soils mean there is still a risk of rivers breaking their banks. 

Residents in impacted areas should regularly keep up to date with weather alerts this weekend, and avoid driving on any flooded roads, as well as stay away from any riverbanks.

Temperatures will hover at seasonal averages, with highs of 7C in the east, around 10c in the north, and 13C in the south, up to 15C along the Riviera. 

Saturday February 21 

The north will continue to face grey skies and drizzle, particularly in areas close to the English Channel. Some coastal winds are expected but are unlikely to cause disturbances.

Moving south, sporadic spells of sunshine begin appearing in central France, and towards the Mediterranean skies should again remain mostly clear. 

This includes in the south-west, where sun will begin to break through grey skies in the afternoon.

Temperatures will reach around 11C in the north, potentially 13C, and around 15C in the south, rising to 18C in the western Mediterranean. 

Sunday February 22 

A high-pressure system from the Azores, largely responsible for the calm conditions on Friday and Saturday, will continue to cover France and bring sustained peaceful conditions. 

Sunshine is forecast across the south and central areas, with long bouts of sun possible as far north as Paris. However, north of the Loire conditions will generally remain grey, with sunshine the exception rather than the norm. 

The Pyrénées and Alps will benefit from ideal conditions, with plentiful sunshine and recent heavy but settled snowfall.

Rain will be limited to brief showers along the English Channel.

Temperatures will remain stable at around 14C - 16C across the country. 

Early forecasts for next week predict several days of calm weather before a new bout of Atlantic rainfall moves across much of France from Wednesday onwards.