Temperatures set to drop: French weekly weather outlook January 27 - 31

Overcast and wet weather is forecast for the last days of January before temperatures fall again in early February with snow expected at high altitudes. Flooding is forecast to continue in the north-west.

Winds of 120km/h are forecast as depression Herminia strikes the Atlantic shore at the start of the week with much of the north-west still reeling from the passage of Storm Eowyn.

A dangerous (red) weather alert has been raised by state weather service Météo France on Monday (January 27) due to flooding, with several nearby departments also on high (orange) alert.

Read more: Photos: Dangerous weather alert issued as severe flooding hits Brittany

The wet weather will continue throughout France until Wednesday (January 29).

From Thursday, dryer but colder weather is forecast, with temperatures set to plummet for the start of February.

Monday, January 27 

Southerly gales are forecast across most of the country, reaching 90km along the Atlantic coast.

All areas except for the south-east are likely to see rain and showers, with snow at altitudes above 1,600m.

Highs of 16C are forecast for Montpellier (Hérault) and Perpignan (Pyrénées-Orientales).

Tuesday, January 28

Temperatures are forecast to drop slightly as the wind shifts to the south-west, reaching up to 70km/h in Brittany, bringing showers and sleet along with snow at altitudes over 1,300m.

Skies over the Mediterranean coast will be clear due to a strong westerly wind, which could reach up to 50km/h in some areas.

Highs of 16C are forecast for Perpignan.

Wednesday, January 29

Rain is likely to return to the western half of France as the wind shifts to the south again.

The eastern half of France should see clearer skies and more settled weather, however temperatures will start to feel cooler.

Highs of 14C are forecast for Perpignan and Nice (Alpes-Maritimes).

Thursday, January 30

Northerly gales are forecast, particularly in the northern half of France, bringing cooler temperatures and clearer skies.

Snow is likely at altitudes over 800m in the Pyrenees, Alps and Jura. 

Rain is forecast in the south-east.

Highs of 13C are forecast for Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhone)

Friday, January 31

Cold temperatures and clear skies are forecast for much of the country, with showers in the south-west and rain in the south-east.

The arrival of a high pressure system will bring more settled weather along with morning frosts and sunshine, but also fog in many areas.

Highs of 15C are forecast for Montpellier.