Residents of Gironde and surrounding regions are advised to prepare for severe weather as Météo France has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms effective on Friday, April 18, 2025. The alert, which begins at 6 PM, is expected to impact the entire department throughout the evening. Following a calm and dry morning, the weather will take a turn in the afternoon, bringing with it the first storms along the coast, accompanied by rain, wind, and potentially strong thunderstorms.
In total, Météo France has placed ten departments under yellow alert for thunderstorms, including Charente, Charente-Maritime, Dordogne, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Deux-Sèvres, Vendée, and Vienne. The warning is set to remain in effect until midnight, and residents are urged to stay updated on the evolving weather conditions.
Temperatures for Friday are expected to be mild, reaching around 22°C in the afternoon, while morning and evening temperatures will range between 12 and 15°C. While the day may start off pleasantly, the forecast indicates a significant shift as storms approach, prompting officials to recommend vigilance.
As the weather deteriorates, it is crucial for those planning outdoor activities to keep an eye on the sky and be prepared for sudden changes. "Under thunderstorms, it’s better to be cautious than soaked," officials remind residents.
Meanwhile, looking ahead to the weekend, Météo France has also placed the Gard region under a yellow alert for thunderstorms on Saturday, April 19, 2025. This alert will see peak storm intensity occurring in the evening, but forecasts suggest that the Easter weekend may not be as rainy as initially predicted. Sunday, April 20, is expected to bring sunshine with minimum temperatures ranging from 10°C in the Cévennes to 15°C in Nîmes, providing a pleasant respite after the stormy weather.
On Saturday, while the morning may remain dry, the afternoon could see light showers across much of the Gard department, particularly in the Cévennes, where heavier rainfall is anticipated. Wind conditions will also be notable, with gusts reaching up to 80 km/h in Nîmes and 85 km/h in Vauvert.
As the weather system moves through, it will be essential for residents to stay informed and adjust their plans accordingly. Météo France is encouraging everyone to remain vigilant and to follow updates from local authorities.
Overall, while the current weather alerts may cause some disruption, the forecast for the weekend suggests a return to more favorable conditions, making it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities once the storms have passed.