Erratic weather as France's south-west set to go from frost to 28°C

But the hot weather spell is set to be brief and isolated before rain and wind sweep in

From coats to parasols to umbrellas? The weather in France’s south-west is expected to vary greatly this week
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After frost in recent days in France's south-west, the region is expected to see near-record temperatures of 28°C on Wednesday (March 29).

But the warm weather is expected to be isolated, with strong winds and rain predicted for much of the country by the end of the week, reports Météo-France.

Record-breaking heat?

Those in the south-west of France may be surprised by the sudden change, having woken up on Tuesday (March 28) to considerably cooler March temperatures.

By Tuesday afternoon, however, temperatures were expected to reach around 20°C in the region, before climbing higher on Wednesday.

The temperature predicted for Wednesday is close to record highs in the region - which for March are 29.1°C in Tarbes and 29.7°C in Biarritz.

The weather further north is not expected to be as hot with areas close to the English Channel expected to see rain.

Storms are expected from the south-west across to the east on Thursday, before strong winds and rain hit much of France on Friday.

Read more: Warm weather, drought and fires: why it may feel like summer in France

Unusual weather patterns continue

This week’s erratic weather comes after a record winter drought, which has left groundwater levels low across the country.

March has seen a number of weather warnings, mostly caused by heavy rain and very strong winds, and even saw the appearance of a tornado in the department of Creuse, the first in the area for 25 years.

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