Surprise storms hit France with most of country placed on alert
The rain and outbreaks will increase in intensity tonight
Areas from Normandy to the south-west are now on alert for storms. Earlier this week today was predicted to be sunniest of the week
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Update 12:45: Eight departments will be on a tier-three orange warning from 18:00 onwards. These are Haute-Garonne, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Lot, Aveyron, Cantal, Lozère and Haute-Loire.
Rain and stormy weather are set to hit France hard today (July 11) with more than three-quarters of the country facing weather warnings.
On Monday Thursday was forecast to be the sunniest day of the week – and potentially warmest of the year – but now areas from Normandy to the south-west are on alert for storms.
The only parts of France to escape weather warnings are Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur in the south-east, Hauts-de-France along the Belgian border, and parts of coastal Brittany.
However, Météo France says that due to the uncertain path of the storms these areas may also be hit, and warnings introduced there later today.
Storms will begin in the west this morning, gradually making their way north and eastwards, replacing previously blue skies in the centre of France and Normandy.
A second powerful storm will also move in from the south-west and mimic this movement, around the Pyrénées, then move north-east through the Massif Central and to the Alps.
Storms in the north will intensify during the evening, particularly in the Pays de la Loire and inland areas of Brittany.
Despite the intensity of the storms, temperatures are expected to remain at seasonal averages, reaching 25C or higher in most areas under weather warnings.
In the south-east, temperatures of 35C are expected, potentially rising to 37C in inland parts in Provence.
Storms will remain in the east of the country tomorrow (Friday, July 12) but should clear by the weekend.
Weather warnings may increase in evening
Currently, most weather warnings from state forecaster Météo France are all at the lowest possible, tier-two yellow level.
However, as storms intensify in the evening, particularly in the north, more may increase to tier-three orange warnings.
Warnings remain in many areas on Friday, as storms remain in place throughout the morning and daytime, before drifting eastwards.
You can keep up to date with weather warnings on the official Météo France website.
Read more: What action is advised with different Météo France weather warnings
