A significant weather shift is expected in France, transitioning from prolonged cold to milder temperatures starting January 20. Initially, regions will experience wintry conditions, but by mid-week, an Atlantic depression will bring increased rainfall and rising temperatures across the country. Early week forecasts indicate chilly weather, particularly in the North, while the South enjoys milder conditions. The week will end with frequent rain, maintaining warmer temperatures for this time of year, ideal for those carrying umbrellas during outdoor plans.
Weather Transition: From Cold to Mild
After experiencing a prolonged period of frigid temperatures across much of France, a notable shift in the weather is on the way. Following last week’s cold snap, the week of January 20 is expected to bring a slight warming trend. While the beginning of the week will still feel quite wintry with low temperatures, a significant change is anticipated starting Wednesday. A depression system moving in from the Atlantic will usher in warmer temperatures, albeit accompanied by increased rainfall throughout the country.
Weekly Overview: Cool Start with Sudden Changes
As Monday, January 20 unfolds, certain regions will remain under yellow alert for potential snow and icy conditions. The week kicks off with chilly weather reminiscent of previous days, particularly in the northern regions where it will remain relatively dry and cold. However, this calm will not last long; mid-week will see the arrival of a depression system from the Atlantic, bringing precipitation that will initially be confined to the Southeast before spreading nationwide.
On Monday, expect a continuation of tranquil weather, akin to the previous weekend. The prevailing anticyclone will keep most areas free from rain, though temperatures will be quite low, particularly in the North where they may dip between -3 °C and 2 °C. In contrast, the South will see milder temperatures ranging from 2 °C to 10 °C. While the morning is likely to be overcast, sunny intervals will appear by afternoon, especially in the West, including Brittany and the Centre-Val de Loire. Persistent rain will, however, continue to affect the Southeast, particularly near coastal areas.
Tuesday brings a slight improvement, especially for the North, where sunshine is expected by morning. The South will continue to experience mixed weather, with breaks of sunshine in some areas but lingering clouds and rain in the Southeast. Temperatures will remain cold in the North in the morning but will rise to above 10 °C in the South by afternoon, with drier conditions returning to the Southeast as the day progresses.
Come Wednesday, the tranquility of the early week will be disrupted by the arrival of moisture-laden air from the Atlantic. This will lead to an overcast sky covering most of the country, with the Southeast and the northwest regions experiencing morning showers that will become more widespread as the day continues. Despite the gloomy forecast, temperatures will start to climb, with afternoon highs reaching between 7 °C and 10 °C in the North, and between 10 °C and 17 °C in the South, marking the end of the cold spell.
Thursday will see a marked deterioration in weather conditions, with rain expected across the nation, save for a few areas in Brittany and Pays de la Loire, where the sun may make a brief appearance. As the week draws to a close, Friday will continue the trend of frequent rainfall, particularly in the northern regions, while the southern areas are likely to enjoy milder and sunnier conditions. Expect maximum temperatures to range from 10 °C to 17 °C across the country. The weekend forecast suggests a generally rainy outlook, with temperatures remaining warm for this time of year, so those planning outdoor activities should definitely pack an umbrella!