Calm Saturday before rain arrives: French weekend weather outlook November 16 - 17
Storms may also hit the south-east, with the north mostly grey
If you are planning to do outdoor activities, Saturday is your best bet
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Despite starting calmly, much of France will be covered by rain – and in some places storms – by the end of the weekend.
The south-east is most at risk of storm, but grey skies and rain will be prominent across the north throughout the weekend.
Friday November 15
There will be a classic north / south divide in weather conditions on Friday, with areas south of the Loire sunny and reaching around 15C or more and up to 20C in the south-east.
In the north grey skies will dominate and temperatures will struggle to reach above 10C however.
Sunshine in the north will be limited, around three hours in Brittany and Normandy, but in central France no hours of sunshine will be recorded.
In the south up to eight hours of sun is forecast, with no clouds expected.
No rain is predicted, although in the north-east bitter cold winds will keep conditions chilly.
Saturday November 16
Conditions on Saturday will be much the same, with a cooler, cloudy north and sunny south.
Morning fog is likely in the north.
Read more: Driving through fog in France: rules and penalties for infractions
The Hérault coastline is an exception, where grey skies will dominate for most of the day, although once again rain is unlikely.
Highs of 19C are expected in the Pays-Basque, but will struggle to reach above 10C in the north.
Sunday November 17
Weather conditions will change on Sunday, as rain and cold winds move across the English Channel and into Normandy.
Throughout the day, this rain will continue to push into France up to the German border and as far south as Bordeaux.
Strong winds will hit the Rhône Valley and Massif Central, as well as coastal areas in the north.
Almost all of the country will be covered in grey and cloudy skies, even in the south and areas not set to see rainfall.
Stormy weather is predicted along the Italian border, particularly around Nice and in the Alps, although the intensity is not yet fully known.
Temperatures across France will drop due to this instability, however will still be slightly above averages for the season.
Early forecasts for next week predict heavy rain and strong winds, expanding across most of the country. Further snowfall in the mountainous areas is likely.
A second temperature drop next week is likely, bringing them below averages.
