French weekly weather forecast October 19-23: heavy rain in south-east

France faces a changeable week as an episode of heavy Mediterranean rain brings potential flooding risks to the south-east on Monday and Tuesday (October 19-20).

State forecaster Météo-France has placed four departments along the Mediterranean coast on (yellow) alert due to the possibility of flooding on October 19. 

Temperatures will gradually rise after a chilly start, but Atlantic weather systems will bring further rain and strong winds to northern and western regions later in the week.

Monday, October 19

Heavy and potentially stormy rain will affect Occitanie and the Cévennes in particular, with significant rainfall totals possible in exposed areas. 

The unsettled conditions will continue into the night, raising the risk of localised flooding and rapid rises in river levels.

Further showers and thunderstorms are forecast from the Pyrenees towards the Limousin, while Corsica may also experience heavy downpours.

The north-west will see brighter spells, particularly between Brittany and Charente-Maritime, although local morning frost is possible. Temperatures will remain cool across much of the country.

Tuesday, October 20

The risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms will persist across the Mediterranean region, particularly Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and southern Rhône-Alpes. Significant accumulations are possible in the most exposed areas.

Rain will also affect parts of Burgundy, the Pyrenees and northern France, where skies will remain largely cloudy.

Conditions should be calmer near the Atlantic coast and across parts of the north-east, with temperatures remaining close to seasonal averages.

Wednesday, October 21

The previous day's weather system will move eastwards, bringing snow to the higher Alpine peaks.

Another Atlantic disturbance will bring frequent spells of rain from the south-west towards northern France. Winds will strengthen in western regions and around the Mediterranean.

The south-east, particularly Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, should see the best sunshine, while temperatures remain broadly seasonal.

Thursday, October 22

Conditions are expected to improve across southern France, with sunny spells and clearer skies, particularly around the Mediterranean.

Northern and western regions will remain cloudier, with showers and stronger winds. Rain will be most frequent near the English Channel.

Temperatures are forecast to rise slightly.

Friday, October 23

A band of rain is expected to move from the south-west towards the north-east, followed by showers and brisk winds, particularly near the Channel.

Some showers may also reach Mediterranean regions, although conditions should remain less unsettled than at the beginning of the week.

Temperatures will remain close to seasonal averages.