Gales of 130 km/h set to batter south-east France as Mediterranean storm arrives
Polar winds descending separately from the north will cause drop temperatures across much of country
Heightened weather warnings have been put in place in Corsica
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A Mediterranean storm is set to bring winds of 130 km/h to the south and south-east this weekend.
The winds will begin on Thursday (December 19) evening, affecting the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments in particular, as well as Corsica.
These winds will turn into gales on Friday (December 20), set to last throughout the day.
Winds may reach 130 km/h in parts of the Bouches-du-Rhône and Var departments, and 120 km/h in the Alpes-Maritimes.
The main brunt of the storm will be situated off the coast, and little rain is forecast over the coming days in the south-east.
Temperatures will feel cooler than they have throughout this week however due to the strong wind.
Cooler polar winds will buffet the rest of the country, bringing temperatures down across the board. There is a chance of snowfall beginning at elevations of between 500m - 800m above sea level on Friday.
Read more: Warm days - then snow: French weekly weather forecast December 16 - 20
Elsewhere, rain is expected in the north, travelling down into the centre of the country by the evening.
The two Corsican departments are currently set to face heightened tier-three orange alerts for strong winds tomorrow, with other areas facing a less severe tier-two yellow warning.
These warnings are subject to change depending on the progression of the storm, and may increase. You can check official warnings through state forecaster Météo France.
Read more: What to do - and not do - in a red or orange weather alert in France
