Unsettled weather is on the horizon for France as the country prepares for the arrival of Storm Olivier, which is expected to bring significant rainfall and thunderstorms starting this weekend. Following a week of unseasonably warm and sunny conditions, the storm will mark a drastic change in the weather pattern, affecting a large portion of the nation.
On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the weather across France is forecasted to remain fair, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 22°C, and potentially reaching up to 26°C in the southern regions, particularly south of the Garonne River. According to Météo France, the day will feature only a few clouds, which are expected to dissipate, allowing for a pleasant afternoon.
However, as the weekend approaches, the situation is set to shift dramatically. On Friday, April 11, 2025, morning clouds will give way to clearer skies, maintaining mild temperatures. Maximum temperatures are predicted to be between 14 and 17°C along the Channel coasts, 19 to 22°C in the northern half of France, and between 22 to 24°C further south, with peaks of 25 to 27°C in regions like Périgord and the Basque Country.
As the sun sets on Friday, a small disturbance will begin to affect the southwest, heralding the arrival of Storm Olivier. This storm, which originated from the Canary Islands, is currently causing heavy rainfall in that region and is expected to move towards southern Portugal before impacting France.
By Saturday, April 12, 2025, the situation will take a turn for the worse. Meteorologist Yann Amice explains that clouds will thicken, leading to unstable weather conditions across the Atlantic coast. Rain is expected to begin in the afternoon, with thunderstorms developing sporadically along a line from Bordeaux to Limoges and Orléans, reaching the Paris region by the evening. Rainfall during these storms could amount to 6 to 8 mm, although the storms are not expected to bring heavy precipitation.
Looking ahead to Sunday, April 13, 2025, the unstable weather will shift eastward, affecting the Massif Central, Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and the Alpes-Maritimes. According to Amice, the instability will create a heavy atmosphere, with thunderstorms expected to develop in the afternoon. The forecast predicts that rainfall will be substantial, especially in the mountainous regions, where accumulations could reach 100 to 150 mm over two days.
Paul Marquis, another meteorologist, warns that the rain will not only fall at lower altitudes but will also affect higher elevations, leading to snowmelt and increasing the risk of landslides and flooding. In the plains of Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, and Vaucluse, while the consequences are expected to be less severe, farmers may face challenges due to reduced fruit yields caused by the lack of sunshine.
As the storm continues to develop, it will create a low-pressure corridor across France, contributing to instability with showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds. On Saturday, the Autan wind will return, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h in some areas, particularly in the southwest. The initial clouds will appear in the afternoon, with intense rain expected on Sunday morning in Nice and throughout the coastal regions.
By Monday, April 14, 2025, the storm's effects will still be felt, with further rainfall and thunderstorms predicted across the Mediterranean region. The situation will remain unstable, with forecasts indicating that the storm will continue to bring rain into the early part of the following week.
As for temperatures, they are expected to remain mild, with highs around 18°C on Sunday, despite the rain. The average rainfall for April in the Marseille-Marignane area is typically around 50 mm, and meteorologists predict that this amount could be reached in just 24 to 48 hours due to the storm.
In summary, the beautiful spring weather that has graced France in recent days is set to give way to a more chaotic and unstable weather pattern as Storm Olivier approaches. With significant rainfall expected, particularly in the southeastern regions, residents are advised to prepare for the impact of this storm. The upcoming days will see a radical change in conditions, as the storm moves across the country, bringing with it a series of weather challenges.
