Weather: these departments placed on storm alert this Thursday, May 15

This Thursday, May 15th, the weather is changing radically compared to the beginning of the week. While sunshine has dominated until now, a significant drop in temperatures is taking hold in the north of the country. This is due to a strong northeast wind, particularly north of the Loire. A 5 to 6°C cooler temperature is observed in the northeast quarter compared to the previous day.

From daybreak, gray skies envelop the Hauts-de-France region, the Channel coasts, and the North Sea, where some drizzle is not excluded. Inland, clouds are more patchy, even veiled towards the east. Temperatures remain cool in the early morning: from 7°C in the north to 15°C in the southern plains. The sun, meanwhile, attempts more pronounced breaks over two-thirds of the country, without managing to significantly warm the atmosphere in the north.

Southwest under threat of storms

While the north is shivering, the southwest must prepare for a turbulent day. Météo-France has placed nine departments on yellow alert for the risk of thunderstorms. Starting this afternoon, thunderstorms are expected to break out in Aquitaine and the Pyrenean foothills.

These storms could be accompanied by localized heavy rain, particularly in mountainous areas. Storm cells are also likely to form in the Comté Niçois, as is often the case this season. Despite this instability, temperatures remain mild in the south, with highs reaching 27°C locally in the Rhône Valley and Provence.

A quieter evening and a spring weekend

As night falls, the thunderstorms gradually fade. The sky clears over much of France, giving way to a calm but cool night in the north. In the south, particularly in the Mediterranean region, mild weather persists.

The forecast predicts a generally dry, spring-like weekend. Sunshine will dominate, but the north wind could continue to cool the north of the country, especially along the Channel coast. The southwest, however, should remain vigilant: a few residual thunderstorms could still occur late Friday.

Discover the departments affected by the storms in our slideshow.