Colder but dry for most: French weekend weather outlook February 1 - 2

Temperatures will drop across much of France this weekend, leading to frost in the north and centre of France that is set to remain into next week.

The rainy conditions of the week will be swept away, with only the south-east expected to see any significant downpour after today (January 31).

Friday January 31 

Showers will appear on Friday across the north of France. As the day progresses, these will appear in central France and the western coast, before reaching the south-west in the evening. 

The rain will not be strong, but showers may be persistent throughout the day.

Snowflakes may fall – but not settle – at the highest points in Normandy and the surrounding areas, and in mountainous east and centre at altitudes of around 1,000m. 

Clouds will dominate skies in the north and west, however serious rainfall is unlikely. 

In the Mediterranean, stormy conditions are likely to bring clouds and rain up to the south-eastern coast and Corsica. 

Departments in the north-west of France are still on a red-level alert – the highest possible – for river flooding following the passages of Storms Eowyn, Herminia, and Ivo the past few days. Some other departments are on a tier-three orange warning. 

Several less severe tier-two yellow warnings are in place for snowy and icy road conditions, stormy weather and avalanches.

You can keep up to date with river level warnings via the official Vigicrues website, and weather warnings through state forecaster Météo France. 

Read more: What to do - and not do - in a red or orange weather alert in France

Saturday February 1 

Rain will stop overnight in the north and centre of France, however pick up in the south due to unstable conditions in the Mediterranean. 

Saturday will see the area near the Spanish Catalan border most likely affected, with the south-east remaining mostly dry. 

The north-west will remain cloudy yet free of rain, however the rest of the north, east, and centre of France should see mostly sunshine – or at the most sparse cloud coverage.

Morning temperatures are set to be chilly, at 0C or below in much of central France or areas on the Belgian/German border. 

Further warnings over icy road conditions are likely. 

Read more: 4 tips to stay safe and check icy roads in real-time in France

Temperatures will increase as the day progresses however, reaching up to 7C north of the Loire and 10C in the south-west. Highs of 13C/14C are predicted along the Mediterranean coast despite the risk of rain. 

Sunday February 2 

Conditions will be much the same on Sunday, although rain will push further inland in the south-east, and snow is expected at altitudes of 1,300m or above.

Skies will alternate between clouds and sunshine in the north, although as the day progresses veer towards sunshine, particularly in more easterly areas. 

Mornings will remain frosty, and temperatures will be slightly cooler, with highs of between 5C and 10C north to south throughout the day. 

Dry and cool conditions are set to continue into at least the middle of next week, as temperatures remain significantly below early February averages.