The weather in the Bouches-du-Rhône and Marseille is currently disrupted, leaving residents frustrated as they experience conditions that feel more akin to winter than spring. While the northern parts of France bask in sunshine, the southern regions, particularly Marseille, are grappling with a persistent overcast sky and scattered showers. This unusual weather pattern has led to what some locals describe as a "catastrophic" spring, with record rainfall and a notable lack of sunshine.
According to meteorologist Paul Marquis, the current weather woes are attributed to a circulation of cold drops between the Iberian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, and Southern Europe. "The traditional Azores anticyclone is absent or has shifted north, causing this unusual weather situation," he explained on his website, e-meteoservice.fr. This anticyclone, which typically brings stable weather to the region, has instead settled over the British Isles and Northern Europe, leaving the south of France in a state of meteorological turmoil.
As the weekend approaches, the forecast remains bleak for Marseille. On Saturday, May 10, 2025, temperatures are expected to range from 14 to 19°C, with a light southeast breeze. Residents can expect some sunny spells in the morning, with temperatures between 15 and 18°C. However, by the afternoon, the sun will be obscured by clouds, and conditions will remain predominantly overcast. The evening will see temperatures drop to between 17 and 18°C, while the wind will continue to blow lightly.
Looking ahead to Sunday, May 11, 2025, the forecast indicates that clouds will dominate the sky, preventing any significant sunshine. Scattered rain is anticipated, with temperatures hovering around 17°C. A southeast wind is expected to blow at approximately 20 km/h, contributing to the damp conditions. The maximum temperature for the day will reach 18°C, while the minimum will settle at 16°C.
The lingering question on everyone's mind is: how long will this unsettling weather pattern last? Meteorologist Marquis suggests that the current conditions may persist until the last ten days of May 2025. However, there is a glimmer of hope for improvement as the month progresses. He notes that an increase in pressure and temperatures could lead to more stable weather coming from the south, potentially bringing relief around May 15, 2025.
Despite the gloomy forecast, there is a silver lining. The weather conditions are expected to improve in the days following the weekend, with more sunshine and temperatures stabilizing around 17°C. For the residents of the Bouches-du-Rhône, this could mean a much-needed reprieve from the dreary weather.
In the Southern Alps, however, the situation remains more complicated. The instability is expected to continue each afternoon until at least May 20, 2025, with conditions remaining unpredictable. This adds to the anxiety of those hoping for a return to pleasant spring weather.
The frustration among Marseille's residents is palpable. As one local lamented, the city has felt more like Paris than the sunny Mediterranean destination many cherish. The absence of the usual sunny days has left many longing for a return to normalcy.
As the weather continues to play tricks, locals are encouraged to stay prepared. With rain still in the forecast for early next week, residents are advised to keep their umbrellas handy. The unpredictability of spring weather in southern France serves as a reminder of nature's power and the importance of being prepared for sudden changes.
In summary, while the weather in Marseille and the Bouches-du-Rhône remains unsettled, there is hope for improvement as May progresses. Residents are urged to remain patient as meteorologists monitor the situation closely, hoping for a return to the sunny, warm days that characterize the region during this time of year.
