On Sunday, April 27, 2025, France is basking in sunshine, particularly in the northern regions. However, the southern parts of the country are grappling with rain and thunderstorms, creating a stark contrast in weather conditions across the Hexagon. As the weekend comes to a close, Météo France has issued a yellow alert for 27 departments, warning of storms and potential flooding for the following day, Monday, April 28, 2025.
The yellow alert will be in effect from 1 PM to 9 PM, indicating that residents should remain vigilant. The departments affected include Ain, Allier, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes (which may also face avalanches), Ardèche, Aveyron, Bouches-du-Rhône, Cantal, Charente (flood risks), Charente-Maritime (flood risks), Corrèze, Creuse, Doubs, Drôme, Gard, Gironde (flood risks), Jura, Landes (flood risks), Loire, Haute-Loire, Lot, Lozère, Puy-de-Dôme, Pyrénées-Atlantiques (avalanches and floods), Hautes-Pyrénées (avalanches), and Vaucluse.
According to Météo France, the weather is expected to remain calm and dry in the morning, although patches of fog may linger in parts of Brittany and the northern coastal regions. By midday, however, clouds will begin to gather, particularly in the southern half of the country, where instability is set to increase. The meteorological service warns that showers will become more pronounced and may take on a stormy character, especially in areas stretching from Provence to Auvergne and western Massif Central.
Amidst this, temperatures are showing a range typical for late April, fluctuating between 5 to 10 degrees Celsius in the early morning hours. Coastal areas of Languedoc-Roussillon and the Côte d’Azur are slightly warmer, with temperatures ranging from 13 to 15 degrees. As the day progresses, the atmosphere is expected to warm up, with afternoon highs reaching a mild 21 to 24 degrees in many regions, while the English Channel coast will see slightly cooler temperatures of 17 to 19 degrees.
As if that weren’t enough, the south of France is bracing for further weather challenges on Monday, as 20 departments will be under yellow alert for storms. This includes a repeat of some of the same areas from Sunday, indicating a persistent pattern of unsettled weather. The specific departments under alert for April 28 are Ain, Allier, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Ardèche, Aveyron, Bouches-du-Rhône, Cantal, Corrèze, Creuse, Doubs, Drôme, Gard, Jura, Loire, Haute-Loire, Lot, Lozère, Puy-de-Dôme, and Vaucluse.
In addition to the storm warnings, Météo France has also issued yellow flood alerts for five departments: Charente, Charente-Maritime, Gironde, Landes, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The concern for flooding arises from the expected heavy rainfall in these areas, compounded by already saturated ground conditions from previous weather patterns.
As the situation develops, Météo France continues to monitor the weather closely. They have advised residents in affected areas to stay tuned to local updates and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. The meteorological agency has emphasized the importance of taking precautions, especially in regions where thunderstorms can lead to flash flooding and other hazardous situations.
In summary, while the northern parts of France enjoy a sunny day, the south is preparing for a tumultuous Monday filled with storms and the potential for flooding. The contrasting weather highlights the unpredictable nature of springtime in France, where conditions can shift dramatically within a matter of hours.
As citizens gear up for the week ahead, they are reminded to stay informed and heed warnings from Météo France. The agency's forecasts are critical in helping residents navigate the challenges posed by severe weather, ensuring safety and preparedness in the face of nature's unpredictability.