Storm Thèrese to bring gales of 100 km/h to south-west France

A major Atlantic storm is set to bring strong gales to the south of France today (March 18), and see ‘autan’ winds reach speeds of over 100 km/h.

Dubbed Storm Thérèse (or Theresa), it is primarily affecting Portugal, Spain and North Africa, but knock-on effects are expected across France.

Gales of up to 70 km/h will be felt throughout the daytime in the Mediterranean and Provence, Alpine hills along the Italian and Swiss borders, Franche-Comté, and as far north as Alsace. These winds may get slightly stronger by the evening. 

The Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines in the south-west will see gales closer to 100 km/h throughout the day due to the storm, although these will quickly die down inland.

In Tarn and Haute-Garonne ‘autan’ winds – powerful gales caused by the stormy weather along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts – may reach up to 120 km/h. Local folklore says the winds can drive residents mad and are also known as the devil’s wind (vent du diable). 

Clear skies despite gales

Despite the risk of gales, however, France will be otherwise unimpacted. 

The Pyrénées range is blocking the vast majority of the rainfall from Storm Thèrese, with only small showers around Perpignan related to the storm. 

Elsewhere, aside from showers in the Rhône Valley (due to a separate weather pattern), skies will remain dry, with most regions seeing plenty of sun – conditions that also extend into Thursday. 

Temperatures of 12C - 14C in the east, 14C - 17C in the north, and up to 20C in the south-west are unaffected by the storm.

Given temperatures do not factor in wind speed, however, it may feel cooler due to this. 

State forecaster Météo France has not issued any heightened weather alerts for Storm Thèrese, although the Tarn and Haute-Garonne face tier-two yellow warnings for strong winds. 

Unlike with more severe alerts, there are no calls to remain at home, although those in the area may wish to keep up with local weather alerts.