Severe Storms: Four Southwestern Departments Placed on Orange Alert

After an intense heatwave, Météo-France warns of violent thunderstorms this Wednesday, June 11.

Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, and Gers have been placed under orange alert due to expected thunderstorms later today and overnight, according to a bulletin released at 2 p.m. by Météo-France. These southwestern departments, already experiencing scorching heat with local highs above 35°C, are now bracing for a significant weather deterioration.

According to the national weather service, storms are expected to begin around 4 p.m. and may be locally severe, bringing hail, gusts near 100 km/h (62 mph), heavy downpours, and intense lightning activity. The storm system is likely to persist into the night.

Wider instability across the Southwest

A total of sixteen additional departments along the Atlantic coast and throughout the Southwest, as well as the principality of Andorra, have been placed under yellow alert. These thunderstorms follow an early heatwave that began on Tuesday and is expected to push eastward on Thursday. Friday is forecast to be the hottest day nationwide, with temperatures easing over the weekend.