Sun returns to south: French weekend weather outlook May 24 - 25

A return to standard spring weather in the south is forecast this weekend after this week’s violent and deadly storms.

In the north, the recent spell of calm and dry weather will come to an abrupt end, with rainclouds arriving from the English Channel. 

Friday May 23 

Those in the north looking to take advantage of the sun should make the most of Friday with conditions remaining dry and sunny before the weekend begins.

A chilly morning in the east, north, and centre is set to bring frost, however this should dissipate by mid-morning as sunny skies dominate. 

Wispy clouds are forecast in Brittany, Normandy, and the western coast, but are not set to bring rain.

The first of the weekend’s rainfall will begin along coastal Normandy but will not start until late into the night.

The south will remain sunny and dry, with temperature up to 25C along the Mediterranean coastline.

Temperatures in the north will be between 16C and 20C in most places, and in the south-west between 18C and 22C. 

Saturday May 24 

Rainfall will mostly stay concentrated along the northern and Brittany coastlines, and not push significantly inland, however drizzle is likely to be persistent throughout the day. 

Winds of up to 60km/h will accompany the rain, as will thick grey clouds.

Further inland – up to around the Loire river – grey skies are likely, even if there is no chance of rain.

The further south you go, the warmer and sunnier it will get, with the south-west and Mediterranean areas set to see the warmest weather. 

Highs of 25C along the coast are likely, although in the south-east around Nice ocean storms may briefly snip the coastline, bringing some rain and clouds. 

The south-west will see highs of around 22C, and in the north, it will be closer to 16C.

National average temperatures will be lower than usual for the season, largely due to conditions in the north. Temperatures in the south will remain at typical late-May levels.

Sunday May 25 

Rain will push further south, reaching the Loire Valley and central areas of France by mid-morning. 

The clouds will bring light rain and the drizzle will last throughout the day - although coastal areas in the north should remain dry once the clouds move south.

Paris will be hit by some light rain, but it is unlikely to impact the start of the Roland Garros (French Open).

The south will continue to see calm and sunny skies, with temperatures again reaching up to 25C, compared to around 16C - 19C in the north. 

Early forecasts for next week show a calm start to the week before rain covers much of the north from Tuesday onwards.