France to see temperatures plunge by up to 15C in 48 hours

Autumn is set to settle across France, with temperatures expected to drop by up to 15C in 48 hours later this week after an unseasonably warm spell.

A cooler northerly airflow is set to replace the warm conditions, bringing lower temperatures across much of the country this weekend.

The colder weather arrives as the Toussaint school holidays begin this weekend.

Today (Wednesday), temperatures will remain mild for the season, reaching 18C to 23C across northern France and 22C to 27C in the south, locally rising to 29C in the south-west.

Temperatures are then expected to peak on Thursday, reaching 25C to 28C across much of France, with locally higher values in the south-west.

However, a significant drop in temperatures is expected from Friday, according to La Chaîne Météo.

Some areas could see temperatures fall by 10C to 15C within 48 hours.

Cooler weather expected this weekend

By the weekend, daytime temperatures are forecast to reach around 12C to 16C in northern and eastern France, and 15C to 18C in the west.

Conditions will remain milder around the Mediterranean, where temperatures are expected to stay close to 20C on Saturday and Sunday.

A north-easterly wind, known as the bise, could make it feel even colder, especially in northern and eastern areas. Gusts could reach 50 to 60 km/h, with the wind chill bringing perceived temperatures below 10C in parts of the north-east.

Despite the drop in temperatures, most of France is expected to remain dry. However, heavy rain could affect parts of the south-east next week.