A depression is forming over Spain and moving towards the Bay of Biscay this Saturday, May 10, 2025. This weather system is expected to bring thunderstorms across western France, particularly affecting regions from Aquitaine, western Midi-Pyrénées, to southern Brittany. While these storms are not anticipated to be as severe as those that struck the previous weekend, forecasters are keeping a close watch due to the potential impact on outdoor activities during this time of year.
According to Météo-France, at noon on Saturday, weather conditions will begin to deteriorate over the Atlantic regions. The period of risk is expected to last from Saturday at 12:00 PM until midnight on Sunday, May 11, 2025. There is a notable risk of hail, with wind gusts predicted to exceed 90 km/h, along with intense rainfall that could see water accumulation exceeding 30 mm/h.
As thunderstorms roll in, residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during these periods of heightened risk. Outdoor furniture and other unsecured items should be brought indoors or secured to prevent damage from strong winds. Additionally, it is recommended that vehicles be sheltered, if possible, to minimize potential hail damage. People are also urged to stay away from trees, metal structures, and waterways during storms.
This weekend's weather will see temperatures rising again, following a cooler spell earlier in the week. The Atlantic coast is expected to experience showers and thunderstorms, particularly on Saturday afternoon. The Northeast region of France, however, is likely to remain dry and sunny.
Forecasters predict that a storm front will move along the Atlantic coast from the Finistère region down to the Basque Country, extending into Limousin. Hail is expected particularly in the southwest, where temperatures may reach up to 25°C in Aquitaine.
On Sunday, May 11, thunderstorms are expected to become more frequent, especially across the western and southwestern regions of France, including areas from Brittany to Aquitaine and the Pyrenees. The southeast is also expected to see rain, while only the northeast will enjoy some sunshine. The heat threshold will be reached in the northern Loire, with temperatures expected to hit around 24°C.
In Lot-et-Garonne, local authorities have placed the department under a yellow alert for strong thunderstorms, effective from 2:00 PM on Saturday until midnight on Sunday. The prefecture has warned residents about the impending storm system, which will approach the Pyrenees-Atlantiques in the early afternoon and move up along Aquitaine later in the day. Heavy rainfall is anticipated, with accumulations of 20-30 mm in just one hour, alongside small to medium hail and wind gusts reaching 70-90 km/h.
As the storms progress, they are expected to weaken gradually by early evening and into the night. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially if engaging in outdoor activities.
In addition to Lot-et-Garonne, the department of Manche is already on yellow alert for thunderstorms beginning at 9:00 PM on Saturday. The Seine-Maritime and other Normandy departments will follow suit on Sunday, with warnings issued for storms that could lead to heavy rainfall, hail, and strong winds. Météo-France has provided safety tips for residents, urging them to stay away from trees and waterways, take shelter in sturdy buildings, remain informed, avoid unnecessary travel, and protect property that could be exposed to wind or flooding.
As the weekend progresses, Météo-France has indicated that thunderstorms will be frequent, particularly in the southwest of France. Eight departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine are currently under yellow alert for thunderstorms: Charente-Maritime, Gironde, Dordogne, Landes, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Lot-et-Garonne, Gers, and Hautes-Pyrénées. Locally, more than 30 mm of rain is expected to accumulate between the Basque Country and the Bordelais, which is equivalent to about two weeks' worth of rain for this time of year.
By the end of Saturday, a storm surge could move from the Basque Country and slide towards Brittany overnight. Hail and strong winds, with gusts up to 90 km/h, are anticipated during these storms. The weather disturbances are expected to continue into Sunday, with temperatures rising and often exceeding seasonal norms, ranging from 19 to 24 degrees Celsius.
As the storms develop, Météo-France warns that the situation could lead to flash flooding in areas already vulnerable due to dry soil conditions. The public is urged to remain cautious and prepared as this weather system unfolds over the weekend.
