Weather alerts continue: outlook for weekend in France

Weather warnings remain in place across parts of France as unsettled conditions continue into the first weekend of February, bringing blustery rain to many areas with some brighter spells on Saturday

Friday, February 6

Friday will be wet in many areas. 

Rain is forecast across the west, centre and east, at times persistent, with already waterlogged ground increasing the risk of local flooding. 

Alpes-Maritimes and Corse-du-Sud have been placed under high (orange) alert by state forecaster Météo-France due to the risk of wave-related flooding (vagues-submersion). 

The warning covers exposed coastal areas, including the Nice area, where strong swells may lead to waves overtopping sea defences and coastal roads.

Brittany and the Atlantic coast will see frequent showers, while strong winds continue near the coast, causing Météo-France to put flood alerts in place for Finistère and Gironde.

Flooding is expected to be most likely on maritime river sections, particularly around estuaries.

Residents in affected areas are advised to remain cautious, avoid coastal exposure during high tide and follow local safety guidance.

Along the Basque coast, gales may reach 70-80km/h. 

In the Alps, precipitation will fall in the form of snow or sleet above around 800-1,000m. 

Mountain areas will remain cold, with temperatures staying below 0C at altitude. 

In Chamonix, daytime temperatures are expected to remain below freezing, with night-time falling well below -10C.

Daytime highs will range from around 6-8C in the north-east to 12-15C in western and southern regions.

Saturday, February 7

Conditions will ease slightly on Saturday, though the weather will remain unsettled. 

Showers will be less frequent, allowing some sunny spells, especially in the south-west and parts of eastern France. 

Central and northern areas will stay mostly cloudy, with occasional light rain.

Gales will still affect coastal areas, but with less intensity than on Friday. Finistère and Gironde are expected to remain on high (orange) alert due to coastal flooding.

Temperatures will remain mild for the time of year, with afternoon highs of 10-13C across much of the country, rising to 16-18C in southern areas including Provence and Corsica. 

In the north-east, highs will be closer to 7-9C.

Sunday, February 8

Rain will return to Mediterranean regions on Sunday, including Occitanie, Provence and Corsica, with heavy showers possible locally. 

Snow is expected in the Alps and Pyrenees above 1,000-1,500 metres.

Elsewhere, much of the country should stay dry but cloudy, from the Atlantic coast through to central and eastern regions. 

Temperatures will be similar to Saturday, with daytime highs of 9-13C in most areas and up to 15-16C in the south.

Outlook

Temperatures are forecast to stay close to or slightly above seasonal averages, and a cold snap in early February is now considered unlikely. 

However, with ground already saturated in many regions, the risk of flooding is likely to remain: more wet and windy weather is forecast from February 10.