Spring Warmth: Summer-like Temperatures Expected Across Much of France

After a stormy start to the week, France is set to see calmer weather as Wednesday, May 14, brings clear skies and warmer temperatures, signaling the return of spring. The rise in temperatures is set to feel almost summer-like.

Storms Subsiding but Still Present in Some Areas

Although the stormy weather that began earlier in the week is coming to an end, there will still be some local thunderstorms today, particularly along the axis from Normandy to the Pyrenees and in parts of the Southeast. Around forty departments remain on yellow alert, according to Météo-France.

“Wednesday will mark the end of the stormy period, linked to a cold drop that is slowly moving away and dissipating,” Météo-France explains. The western and southern regions are still the most at risk for isolated downpours.

Near-Summer Temperatures Across the Country

Despite the residual instability, temperatures are climbing significantly across the country. The northeast quarter of France will enjoy particularly mild weather, with temperatures exceeding the season’s averages. The conditions are expected to feel “almost summer-like,” according to Météo-France.

Several cities will reach 25°C in the afternoon, including Paris, Amiens, Reims, and Lyon. The French capital will even be the hottest city in Europe today. Alsace and Corsica won’t be far behind, with Strasbourg expected to reach 24°C and Ajaccio 23°C, while the coolest temperatures — around 17°C — will be seen in Cherbourg and Biarritz.

Return of the Anticyclone and More Stable Weather Ahead

By Thursday, the weather will settle further thanks to the return of an anticyclone located north of the British Isles. The sky will clear across the country, except for some lingering clouds over the western Pyrenees. This shift in the weather pattern is expected to bring a calm and sunny weekend, with lasting mild temperatures.

While the traditional “Saints of Ice” period (May 11–13) is not always the definitive end of frost, this year the tradition seems to hold true, as warmer weather settles in after this period.