France Braces for Tumultuous Weather Shift with Rain, Wind, and Temperature Swings

A series of weather disturbances will bring unseasonably mild conditions followed by a sharp cold spell and potential snow this week.

France will experience a succession of weather disturbances starting midweek, bringing heavy rain and strong winds across much of the country.
Temperatures will rise temporarily, with highs of 14–15°C expected in regions like Nouvelle-Aquitaine before a significant drop by the weekend.
Meteorologists predict a shift to colder air masses of polar origin over the weekend, with maximum temperatures falling 5–6°C below seasonal norms in many areas.
The weekend forecast includes strong winds, with gusts reaching 70–80 km/h inland, and a possibility of snow at low altitudes in northern and eastern France.
Recent record-breaking December warmth in parts of western and southern France, with highs near 25°C, underscores the dramatic weather variability expected this month.