France weekend weather: first notable cool spell since mid-January
Temperatures set to fall below seasonal averages. Rain in southern regions and mountain snow
The Pyrenees will see snow this weekend - albeit with a blustery west wind (in photo: Pic du Midi de Bigorre)
pixinoo/Shutterstock.
A spell of cooler, more unsettled weather is moving across France this weekend, bringing rain to southern regions while northern areas remain brighter.
Temperatures are expected to drop below seasonal averages, with snow returning to mid-altitude mountain areas in what will be the first notable cool spell since mid-January.
Friday, March 13
Cloud and patchy rain will spread across several regions as a weather system moves in from the Atlantic.
Showers are most likely in the south-west and along the Mediterranean coast, where rain may be persistent at times.
In contrast, parts of the north-east should remain brighter with longer sunny intervals.
Cloud will dominate much of western and central France, with only limited sunshine in areas such as Normandy and the south-west.
Afternoon highs should remain relatively mild before colder air arrives, generally reaching around 14C to 17C depending on the region.
Saturday, March 14
Cooler air will spread across the country as winds turn north-westerly.
The day will be unsettled in many southern and eastern regions. Frequent showers are expected from the Pyrenees across the Alps and into the Jura and Vosges. In the Alps, heavier snowfall is possible above around 1,000 metres.
Rain will also affect parts of the Mediterranean coast, with blustery gales affecting the Rhone valley, Gulf of Lion and Pyrenees.
Further north the weather will be more variable, with alternating sunny spells and scattered showers accompanied by a brisk, cool wind.
Morning temperatures will generally range between 4C and 8C, with afternoon highs of around 9C to 11C, roughly two to three degrees below seasonal averages.
Sunday, March 15
Conditions should become more settled in many areas, although it will remain cool.
Showers are still expected in the south-east, while brighter intervals develop across much of the rest of the country. Snow will continue to fall in mountain areas above roughly 1,000 metres.
Strong northerly mistral and westerly tramontane winds are likely to strengthen around the Mediterranean.
Morning temperatures may fall to between 1C and 8C, with frost possible in rural areas. Afternoon highs should again reach around 9C to 11C.
