French weekend weather outlook December 14 - 15: gloomy and chilly in the north

A cool and gloomy weekend is in store for France this weekend, although severe weather warnings are not expected to be raised.

Temperatures will slightly below national averages throughout the north and centre in part due to morning frosts, but remain mild in the south.

Saturday December 14

Saturday will be grey for the majority of France, as an Atlantic disturbance crosses the country. 

Not strong enough to be a storm, the disturbance will nevertheless bring dark grey clouds and rainfall.

The western coast should be spared from rain, which will not begin falling until it reaches the centre of France, however rainfall will continue up to the eastern borders. 

Small amounts of snow are expected at altitudes of 1,000 metres above sea level, or 800 metres in parts of the east. 

The south-east will be spared, with sunnier skies present.

Morning frosts are likely across the centre and north of France, but temperatures will rise throughout the day to be above freezing everywhere. 

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Highs of 3C are expected in Strasbourg, rising to 11C in Biarritz and 15C in Nice. 

Sunday December 15

Similar conditions are expected on Sunday in the north and centre, with grey clouds persisting and showers across the northern areas.

Frost is likely once again in the morning.

Conditions will be better in the south with the Mediterranean coast, Pyrénées, and south-west all seeing sunnier skies. 

There may be strong wind around Montpellier and the western Mediterranean, but heightened weather warnings are unlikely. 

Temperatures will remain at similar levels to Saturday, although they will start to return to seasonal averages on Monday (December 16), as the start of the new week brings sun to most of the country.

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