Storms in France: two people struck by lightning in Pyrenees
We look at where and when storms are expected this week
Published
Modified
Two hikers aged 14 and 21 were struck by lightning during a violent storm in the Pyrenees, yesterday, August 3. More thunderstorms are expected in parts of eastern France this week.
Both were taken to hospital, reports Franceinfo.
The two hikers were part of a group of 15 people walking at an altitude of 2,700m near Cauterets in the Hautes-Pyrénées when a violent storm hit the area.
Emergency services received the alert around 15:30 and the two hikers were evacuated by helicopter by mountain rescue teams and taken to Tarbes hospital. Their condition is reported to be life-threatening, with one of them suffering a head injury.
The incident occurred while the Hautes-Pyrénées department was under a yellow (vigilance jaune) thunderstorm alert issued by Météo-France.
Lightning strikes remain relatively rare in France, but summer months see the highest numbers of incidents, as people are more likely to go outside hiking and climbing.
Where storms are expected in France this week
Storm activity is continuing across France, with the risk now focused mainly on the eastern half of the country.
Météo-France said thunderstorms are expected this Tuesday afternoon, August 4, particularly over the Alps. Some storms could bring locally heavy rainfall, hail and strong gusts of wind.
Forecasters warn that parts of the Alps, including Isère, Savoie, Haute-Savoie and the Hautes-Alpes, could see intense rainfall, with 40 to 60mm possible in less than an hour in place.
La Chaîne Météo said the main storm risk on Tuesday is between the Alps and the Jura, where storms could locally produce wind gusts of 80-90km/h.
⛈️Ce mardi, le risque orageux est cantonné à l'est, notamment au centre-est, notamment entre les #Alpes et le #Jura. Ces #orages seront ponctuellement forts en cours d'après-midi et soirée, avec de fortes #rafales, pouvant atteindre 80 à 90 km/h. pic.twitter.com/wsiDtA2oFR
— La Chaîne Météo (@lachainemeteo) August 4, 2026
Storms are expected to remain a risk in the coming days, with the main areas affected being the Pyrenees foothills and parts of the south-east, while high temperatures continue around the Mediterranean, particularly in the east and around the coast, with 35 to 37C expected in some areas.
🌡️Ce mardi, les #températures resteront très élevées, surtout à l'est. En effet, les très fortes #chaleurs sont persistantes. On attend 37°C à #Strasbourg, ce qui est 10°C au-dessus des normales. 35 à 37°C seront également relevées sur le pourtour méditerranéen. pic.twitter.com/HquDUWnu8V
— La Chaîne Météo (@lachainemeteo) August 4, 2026
What to do during a storm
If you are caught in a storm, particularly while hiking or travelling, it is important to seek shelter quickly and avoid exposed areas, isolated trees and water. Drivers should adapt their speed during heavy rain and strong winds, and avoid flooded roads.
You can read more detailed advice here.
