Severe weather has significantly impacted Brittany and other regions of France, with storms leading to heavy rainfall and flooding, particularly in Nantes. As February begins, winter conditions are settling in, bringing colder temperatures and predictions of rain and snow across various areas. The forecast suggests potential snowfall in regions like Centre-Val de Loire and Occitanie, while most of France may experience sunny weather by Sunday, February 9, despite lingering chilly mornings.
Severe Weather Impacting Brittany and Beyond
The latter part of January witnessed the arrival of three powerful depressions that wreaked havoc, especially in Brittany. The surge in water levels resulted in substantial flooding across multiple cities, including Rennes. Storms Eowyn, Herminia, and Ivo unleashed an overwhelming amount of rainfall, leading to six consecutive days in Paris without a glimmer of sunshine. Notably, Nantes recorded its highest January rainfall since 1928. Thankfully, the heavy rains have finally subsided, and the sun has made a welcome return across the country.
Winter Conditions Arriving in February
As February commenced, winter weather has been taking hold throughout France. Meteorologists have predicted this shift accurately, with gray skies beginning to clear and temperatures dropping significantly. Many regions are experiencing sub-zero temperatures, particularly in the northeast, while the southeast enjoys milder afternoons with temperatures exceeding 10 degrees. Météo France reports that the initial morning fog and frost will yield to sunny spells, at least until Thursday. However, the forecast indicates that conditions may worsen thereafter.
Looking ahead to Friday, February 7, rain showers are anticipated in areas such as Hauts-de-France, Grand Est, Ile-de-France, and parts of Auvergne-Rhône Alpes. Snow is also expected in mountainous regions and certain plateaus, with forecasts suggesting potential snowflakes reaching the plains later in the day. This could impact areas around Amiens and Reims, along with Vichy and Aurillac, where temperatures are expected to remain chilly, peaking at only 3-4 degrees. It appears that any snow accumulation will likely be short-lived.
The evening and night of Friday into Saturday, February 8, may bring intensified snowfall, particularly in the Centre-Val de Loire region, around Tours, as well as in Haute-Marne and Lorraine. The forecast confidence level stands at 2/5, indicating that the situation could shift in either direction. New snowfall could continue into Saturday morning in the eastern Pays de la Loire and southern Normandy, affecting Amiens, Chaumont (52), and Aurillac.
Concerns are particularly heightened in the Occitanie region for the upcoming days. According to Info Occitanie, a cold drop is expected to move between France and Spain starting Friday. While its exact path and effects remain uncertain, it increasingly appears likely that this cold drop will lead to significant rain and snow, possibly at low altitudes, over the weekend. The risk of snowfall in the plains is indeed present, especially in the Occitanie region’s mountainous areas, including the Cévennes, Languedoc, and the Pyrenees. Météo France anticipates this weather event to unfold on Saturday morning.
As for Sunday, February 9, the forecast predicts sunny conditions across most of France, with the exception of the southeast and Mediterranean coastline. Morning temperatures are expected to range from 0 to 10 degrees from north to south, rising to between 5 and 14 degrees in the afternoon.