French weather outlook December 2 - 6: Fluctuating temperatures and plenty of rain

Rain is expected to return to much of France this week, as separate weather patterns cause contrasting conditions across the country. 

Temperatures will remain above average for most of the week due to an Atlantic anticylone but will drop on Wednesday as polar winds arrive. 

Storms are not forecast. 

Monday December 2 

Rains that began over the weekend will continue, crossing the country from west to east. However they will not be strong and are not set to turn into storms.

The Mediterranean coast will avoid the rain but all other areas are set to see at least showers.

Temperatures will fall in the south-west, from 21C over the weekend to around 15C today, however in the north-east temperatures will rise to highs of around 10C. 

Ice that was present on roads in the north will also clear. 

Tuesday December 3 

Rain from the previous set of clouds will continue in the east near the German border, and a new set of rainclouds from Ireland will push into Brittany and Normandy from the afternoon onwards.

The rain will eventually make its way down most of the western coast by night. 

Snow may fall at altitudes of 1,000m above sea level but is not set to be significant.

In the north, centre, and south, there is no risk of rain but skies will remain overcast, with temperatures set to be lower than 10C everywhere except the south. 

Wednesday December 4 

Frost will return in the east as mornings once again become chilly. Fog is expected during the morning commute and there may be ice on the roads.

Read more: Driving through fog in France: rules and penalties for infractions

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Rainfall that began yesterday evening in the west will continue, concentrating in the south-west and around the Pyrénées as the day goes on. 

It may bring snow at altitudes of 1,300m and higher. 

A new anticyclone from the Atlantic will bring winds of around 90 km/h to the east, as well as causing temperatures to drop below seasonal averages. 

Thursday December 5 

Temperatures will continue to be cool on Thursday as frost and fog remain in the east, with highs of 4C to 6C near the German, Luxembourg, and Belgian borders, and temperatures unlikely to reach 10C in most of the north.

In the west, this rises to around 10C, and south of the Loire highs of 15C are expected along the Mediterranean coast. 

Further rainfall in the west, centre, and south-west is predicted. 

Friday December 6 

Temperatures will shoot up on Friday, bringing the national average to around 3C higher than usual for the season. 

Rainfall is again expected in most of the country with the exception of the Mediterranean coast and south-east. 

France is generally set for a warmer than average winter, as sea temperatures in the Atlantic are higher than usual. 

This means the winds that push into the country from west to east will be warmer than in the previous few Decembers. 

Note however that these warmer-than-average conditions can quickly change – as forecast on Wednesday – when icy winds from the north or British Isles push away the warmer winds.

Read more: What weather is predicted for France this winter?