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Alerts heightened ahead of heavy rain in south of France
Thunderstorms to hit Mediterranean coast before rain moves north: weather forecast for October 19-23
Several departments in southern France are on high alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms on Monday, before wetter and windier conditions spread north later in the week.
State forecaster Météo-France has placed Gard, Hérault, Lozère, Bouches-du-Rhone and Var on high (orange) alert for heavy rain, flooding and thunderstorms from 14:00 on Monday (October 19), with the possibility of a red alert being raised if conditions deteriorate.
The episode, associated with Storm Adam and a pocket of cold air moving from Spain, will bring intense rainfall to the Mediterranean coast before shifting eastwards.
Temperatures will gradually recover from Wednesday, although Atlantic weather systems will bring further rain and strong winds later in the week.
Monday, October 19
Heavy and potentially violent thunderstorms will develop across the south and the Cévennes in particular, affecting the departments of Gard, Hérault, Lozère, Bouches-du-Rhone and Var.
Météo-France forecasts rainfall of 40-60mm, potentially reaching 70mm in less than an hour, alongside gusts of 60-80km/h. Hail and localised rotating wind phenomena are also possible.
Lundi 19 octobre 2026 : 🟠5 départements en vigilance orange Pluie-Inondation, orages et crues Mardi 20 octobre 2026 : 🟠3 départements en vigilance orange Pluie-Inondation, orages et crues Restez informés 📷https://t.co/JGz4rTUvHP https://t.co/YMBjmunO5E
— VigiMétéoFrance (@VigiMeteoFrance) October 19, 2026
Several neighbouring departments are under yellow alerts, including Aude, and Vaucluse.
The north-west will see calmer conditions and brighter spells, although morning frost is possible in western and central rural areas.
Tuesday, October 20
The Mediterranean weather episode will continue, with heavy rain and thunderstorms shifting towards Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Corsica.
Rainfall accumulations could become significant in exposed areas, increasing the risk of flooding and rapid rises in river levels.
Northern and eastern France will remain largely cloudy, with occasional rain, while Atlantic regions should experience calmer conditions.
Temperatures will remain relatively cool.
Wednesday, October 21
Conditions should gradually improve around the Mediterranean as the earlier weather system moves eastwards.
Meanwhile, more bad weather from the Atlantic will bring blustery wind and rain across western and northern France.
The wind will be increasingly south-westerly, bringing an end to the recent chilly conditions.
The south-east should enjoy the best sunshine.
Thursday, October 22
Northern and western regions will remain unsettled, with showers, cloudy skies and brisk winds, particularly near the English Channel.
The south of France will see more favourable conditions, with sunny spells around the Mediterranean and Pyrenees.
Temperatures will continue to recover, with milder mornings across much of the country.
Friday, October 23
Atlantic disturbances will continue to affect northern France, bringing further rain and strengthening winds.
La Chaîne Météo warns of a possible spell of particularly strong winds across northern regions, although its intensity remains uncertain.
The south-east should remain comparatively sheltered, with longer sunny spells and generally calmer conditions.
Temperatures will be closer to seasonal averages, ending the week on a milder but unsettled note.
