Météo-France has issued a yellow alert for rain and flooding risks in the Drôme and Isère departments as part of a broader warning for thunderstorms affecting much of France this weekend. The alert will take effect starting Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 6 PM, coinciding with a notable change in weather conditions following a week of unseasonably warm temperatures.
After experiencing a heatwave, temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with some areas seeing a decrease of up to 10 degrees Celsius. The early heatwave, which brought summer-like conditions to many regions, is set to end as a depression moves in from the Iberian Peninsula, leading to unstable and stormy weather across the country.
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, thunderstorms are anticipated to develop across nearly all of France, particularly in the southern regions. Météo-France has placed the majority of metropolitan departments under a yellow alert for thunderstorms, warning of "occasionally and locally dangerous" weather phenomena. As the day progresses, storms are expected to extend from the Pyrenees to the Massif Central, eventually reaching Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne Franche-Comté, with the possibility of hail.
According to Météo-France, "the early heatwave experienced in many regions in recent days will end this weekend." The meteorological agency predicts that thunderstorms will become more pronounced in the Hérault, Aveyron, Lozère, Aude, Pyrénées-Orientales, Gard, and Haute-Garonne regions on Sunday, May 4, 2025. This significant shift in weather is attributed to a cold drop originating from Portugal, which is expected to bring unstable conditions and a sharp decline in temperatures.
In addition to the yellow alert for rain and flooding in the Drôme and Isère, 49 departments are also under yellow alert for thunderstorms. The storms are forecasted to be particularly intense, with heavy rainfall expected. Météo-France warns that the storms could lead to localized flooding due to heavy precipitation.
"Stormy rains will continue on Monday, May 5, 2025, from the Pyrenees to the Alps, as well as over Corsica," Météo-France stated, indicating that the unsettled weather will persist into the early part of the following week. Showers are expected to continue on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, before conditions begin to stabilize.
As the weekend unfolds, the weather is anticipated to be marked by thunderstorms that may produce locally heavy rainfall and strong winds. Météo-France has cautioned that the storms may also lead to hail in certain areas, particularly in the northern parts of the Loire-Atlantique, where the department is under a yellow alert for thunderstorms from approximately 4 PM to 10 PM on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
In Châteaubriant, Météo-France forecasts around 7 millimeters of precipitation during this period. Meanwhile, in Nantes, the weather on Sunday is expected to be changeable, with scattered showers in the morning followed by overcast conditions, accumulating about 2 millimeters of rain.
The forecast for Saturday, May 3, 2025, indicates that maximum temperatures will reach up to 22 °C in the north and 27 °C in the south, although these figures represent a slight decrease compared to the previous week. The storms are set to become more widespread in the afternoon, particularly in regions north of the Loire, with a focus on areas such as Brittany, Île-de-France, Normandy, and Hauts-de-France.
As the storms roll in, Météo-France emphasizes the need for caution, advising residents to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions. The agency has been closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as the storms develop.
Overall, this weekend's weather is a stark reminder of the dynamic nature of springtime in France, where warm spells can quickly give way to severe weather. The combination of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall poses a risk of flooding, particularly in the already alert regions.
As the storms approach, it is crucial for residents to remain vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Météo-France encourages everyone to heed the warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this turbulent weather period.
Looking ahead, the start of next week is expected to remain humid, with a continuation of stormy rains on Monday and showers on Tuesday. The return of cooler temperatures, along with the potential for snow in mountainous regions, highlights the unpredictable nature of the weather as spring progresses.
