Heavy rain and strong winds: French weather outlook November 24 to 29
An épisode cévénol is expected to bring heavy rain on Tuesday
67 departments are on alert on November 24 and 64 on November 25
shutterstock / Rainer Fuhrmann
Most departments across France are facing weather alerts at the start of the week ahead due to strong winds. Some warnings will heighten with an épisode cévénol forecast for Monday night (November 25). Settled weather is then expected to return as the week progresses.
Monday (November 25): Currently nine departments are on high (orange) alert due to strong gales.
The worst weather is forecast over the Massif Central, with Haute-Loire and the south of Rhône particularly affected. Rain is expected in the centre and north of France.
The mild temperatures will continue, with highs of 20C forecast in Pyrénées-Orientales during the day, although in the morning temperatures reached 26C in Pau (Pyrénées-Atlantiques).
An épisode cévénol rainstorm is expected in the evening, which will likely lead to further weather alerts in Ardèche, Gard and Hérault.
What is an épisode cévenol?
An épisode cévenol (sometimes called an episode Mediterranean when it is predominantly the coast affected) is caused by a clash of warm and cold air.
Warm air rolls in from the Mediterranean sea, and comes into contact with cold air in the mountain ranges of the Massif Central or Alps.
This sudden interaction caused clouds to condense and drop their rain violently, leading to intense downpours where weeks worth of rain can fall in a few hours.
The phenomena particularly affects the Cévennes mountains (hence the name épisode cévenol), as well as the south-east of France around the Alps. In some cases, the airs clash closer to the shore, causing rains to fall earlier.
These episodes occur each year, and are predominantly seen in autumn and more occasionally spring. In recent years, however, they have been happening more frequently and at more points throughout the year.
Tuesday (November 26): The wind and rain will give way to veiled clouds and settled weather across most of France. Highs of 17C are forecast in Pyrénées-Orientales.
Wednesday (November 27): Rain is forecast for the northern half of France and clear skies for the south.
The mild temperatures will continue, with highs of 17C forecast in Alpes-Maritimes.
Thursday (November 28): Clear skies are expected to return to the north, bringing cooler temperatures with them. However, rain will linger over the Massif Central. Highs of 20C are forecast in Pyrénées-Orientales.
Friday (November 29): Clear, dry and cool weather is forecast to return. Highs of 20C are forecast in Alpes-Maritimes.
