French weekend weather forecast December 20 - 21: cold front on way
Heavy rain expected in several areas on Sunday
Most areas will see rainfall and grey skies across the weekend
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Grey skies and widespread rain are forecast across much of France for the final weekend before Christmas, with the heaviest downpours expected in the south-east.
Further snowfall is expected across the mountains, welcome news for families bound for the slopes, although travel to ski resorts is likely to be slower due to the conditions.
Temperatures will begin to drop as a cold front moves into the country.
Friday December 19
Friday sets the tone for the weekend, with grey skies covering most of France and rain running in a central belt from Vendée to the Champagne area as well as in the south-east.
Moving slowly eastwards as the day goes on, this rainbelt will leave grey skies in its wake, with only Brittany expected to see any real sunshine.
Showers will also fall along the Mediterranean, which will also be covered with grey skies.
Temperatures remain warmer than average, with highs of around 11C in the north rising to 15C in the south.
Saturday December 20
Sunshine and clear skies will be limited to France’s western coast, although are set to be more prevalent in the morning with grey skies dominating by sunset.
Elsewhere, overcast skies and humid air will combine leading to the risk of showers throughout France.
Along the Mediterranean and in the Massif Central the risk of rain is higher. Rainfall here will be sustained but not significant.
Temperatures will drop slightly, with highs of 9C to 10C in the north and centre of France, and around 13C in the south.
However the humid air along the Mediterranean seafront may lead to temperatures of around 15C.
Sunday December 21
Conditions worsen on Sunday, as rain is set to move into the previously calm western coast.
Grey skies are forecast across all of France, except around Perpignan.
Rain is expected to be particularly strong in the south-east in the Cévennes mountains and inland Provence.
Official weather alerts for Sunday are not yet available from state forecaster Météo France but will be put in place on Saturday morning.
Snow is expected in the Massif Central and southern Alps from around 1,200m, and from 1,300m heavy snowfall is forecast.
Highs of around 7C in the north and 11C in the south – closer to late December averages – are forecast.
Early predictions for next week see temperatures continue to drop as a cool front sweeps France, but neither rain – nor Christmas snow – is predicted.
