Hot and dry then storms: French weather outlook June 9 to 13

Hot and bright days are set to return across much of France this week, with temperatures pushing into the mid-30s for several days. A risk of thunderstorms will build up from Thursday.

A mass of subtropical heat from the Azores is shifting north-east towards Germany, drawing very warm air from Morocco and the Iberian peninsula to bring a spell of intense heat midweek, especially in the south-west.

Monday, June 9

Most of the country will enjoy clear skies on Whit Monday, although patches of cloud and coastal mist may veil the sky from Normandy to Flanders. 

Northerly Mistral gales of up to 60km/h will course down the Rhône valley.

High temperatures of 30C are expected in Montpellier (Hérault).

Tuesday, June 10 

Almost unbroken sunshine is forecast over most of the country, with only the far north seeing cloudy spells. 

A late-day storm is possible around the Pyrenees. 

After a cool start, daytime temperatures are forecast to climb sharply with much of the country south of the Loire potentially seeing temperatures over 30C. Temperatures in the north and east should remain more moderate.

High temperatures of 34C in Bordeaux (Gironde) and Toulouse (Haute-Garonne).

Wednesday, June 11 

A hot and dry day is forecast with heat intensifying in central and southern regions.

In Aquitaine, temperatures could reach 36C in the afternoon. Northern France will see highs of 28–30C in places. 

A few evening thunderstorms are possible, particularly near the Atlantic coast.

High temperatures of 36C in Bordeaux (Gironde) and 35C Toulouse (Haute-Garonne) are expected.

Thursday, June 12 

Humidity builds, and so does the risk of storms. 

The west and north-west will face a greater chance of thunder later in the day, while it will remain drier in the east. Temperatures will stay high, but drop slightly in the west. 

Eastern and north-eastern areas - from Lyon to Strasbourg - will remain very warm, with highs again in the 30s. 

Expect a sticky, oppressive feel, especially in built-up areas.

High temperatures of 31C in Paris (Ile-de-France).

Friday, June 13 

This is expected to be one of the hottest days of the week overall, with sultry conditions stretching from north to south. 

The sun will dominate early on, particularly across the Mediterranean, but the heavy atmosphere may lead to increasing instability. 

Storms may break out from the west and move across northern regions by evening. 

Expect highs well above 30C in many regions, with a widespread feeling of heavy, humid air.

Highs of 35C are forecast for Bourges (Cher).

Outlook for the weekend

Stormy weather could become more widespread by Saturday, particularly in the north and west, as the heat begins to recede.