The city of Toulouse is currently facing severe atmospheric disturbances, particularly from the vent d'autan wind, which has significantly impacted local weather conditions.
On March 20, 2025, Toulouse woke to heavily clouded skies, with temperatures starting at 10°C and rising to 14°C by midday. However, the calm was short-lived as the wind began to pick up strength dramatically. By 6 AM, winds were recorded at 80 km/h, which then escalated to approximately 90 km/h, with potential gusts exceeding 130 km/h throughout the day. Such conditions were a prelude to further disruptions affecting the city.
As the day progressed, wind gusts intensified, reaching levels around 100 km/h by the afternoon. Reports indicated that the winds would not only remain strong but could also exceed 155 km/h in gusts during the latter part of the day.
Consequently, the city of Toulouse faced multiple issues attributed to these severe wind conditions. Météo-France alerted residents about the hazardous nature of the winds, particularly about the risks posed while traveling and the potential for falling trees and flying debris. The weather service called for heightened vigilance among the public, particularly in the Tarn and Haute-Garonne regions, urging caution while walking or driving.
In conjunction with these wind considerations, electricity outages further complicated the situation. Reports indicated that around 900 homes in the region lost power on March 20 due to the wind conditions.
The effects of the vent d'autan were also evident in public transport. The Téléo cable car line was completely halted starting the afternoon of March 20 as winds exceeded safe operational thresholds of over 90 km/h. The cable car had previously halted operations on March 12 for similar weather-related issues. Shuttle buses were arranged between the Université Paul Sabatier and Hôpital Rangueil stations to mitigate transport disruption.
By the evening of March 20, temperatures began to stabilize around 12°C, but bad weather conditions persisted with an ongoing risk of strong winds. Looking ahead, the weather forecast for Toulouse on March 21 projected more clouds and a maximum temperature rising to 14°C but also rain in the second half of the day, following a pattern from the previous day.
As characterized by the abrupt temperature changes and continued overcast skies, the upcoming days are expected to be marked by similar rainy conditions, maintaining an average temperature of 11°C. The nights will follow suit, reflecting continuing weather instability with cloudy skies, scattered showers, and some drops to around 10°C.
Despite residents being accustomed to strong winds like the vent d'autan, the current phenomenon is considered more severe than usual, prompting authorities to maintain a heightened level of alert. The situation underscores the importance of vigilance on the part of residents moving about the city.
This series of weather-related events showcases the ongoing challenges posed by climate and environmental factors, especially in the Toulouse region. The combination of strong winds, power disruptions, and halted transport services significantly impacts daily life, drawing attention to broader discussions on climate resilience and safety measures necessary in light of increasingly severe weather patterns.
