French weekly weather forecast September 15 - 19: A return to summer?

A late burst of summery conditions will cover the south of France this week, bringing ample sun and temperatures significantly higher than seasonal averages. 

The north is expected to experience similar conditions closer to the weekend, but to contend with rain and grey skies at the start. 

Forecasters last week predicted heavy rainfall across much of France, but this is not set to materialise despite some showers across the north and south-west.

Monday September 15 

Showers from last weekend will persist in the east as well as the north, with new scattered rainfall along the south-west coast and in the Pyrénées. 

Other than this however the rest of France should remain dry, albeit cloudy. 

Temperatures of around 16C to 18C in the north rise to 20C in the centre of the country, before reaching up to 23C in the south. 

Noticeably Lyon (26C, despite cloud coverage) and the western Mediterranean (28C and in direct sunlight) will see much higher temperatures than the rest of the country. 

Tuesday September 16 

Conditions will be mostly similar, although rainfall will largely stop with only parts of coastal Normandy seeing scattered showers. 

In the northern half of the country, skies will be mostly cloudy, although some sunshine will seep through. Highs of 18C to 20C are expected. 

In the south however, cloud coverage will be sparser, with considerably more sunshine – particularly along the Mediterranean.

In turn, temperatures are also set to be higher, between 23C and 28C.

Note however that thick grey clouds are expected early morning in the south-west, so a sudden change in conditions there may come as a surprise when temperatures quickly rise. 

Wednesday September 17 

The classic north-south divide will remain present on Wednesday, as cloud coverage continues in the north and the south stays sunny. 

No rain is forecast, however strong winds along the English Channel are likely. 

This being said, temperatures in the north will rise slightly, in most cases to highs of 20C or just over. In the south, temperatures of 23C to 26C are likely, rising closer to 30C along the Mediterranean. 

Thursday September 18 

Thursday will see the summery conditions move north, with most of the country covered in sunshine and temperatures of 20C or higher. 

Only coastal areas of the English Channel will see clouds remain in place – alongside strong winds – and rain is not forecast anywhere. 

Temperatures of between 21C and 24C in the north, and 25C to 29C in the south are expected. 

In Bordeaux, the inland south-west, and the western Mediterranean, this could rise to 31C, bringing a real summer feel to the day. 

As always, temperatures are measured in the shade, so in direct sunlight it will feel warmer than this.

It is worth noting however that overnight temperatures will remain cool despite the daytime heat. 

This will prevent any risk of a heatwave, as both homes and people can cool down in the evening hours. 

In some inland areas morning temperatures of around 10C will more than double by the afternoon peaks.

Friday September 19 

Conditions will remain largely similar except for a smattering of rain in coastal Brittany and some wispy Channel clouds. 

Temperatures will further rise in the north, reaching up to 26C in Paris and parts of Normandy, and remain steady in the south. 

In the south-west, temperatures of well over 30C, possibly up to 35C, are possible.

The national average temperature for the week is forecast to be 20.3C, more than 3C higher than average for the season.

Temperatures will peak on Saturday (September 20) before a drop at the start of next week.