Weather: Violent thunderstorms with hail expected this Friday, May 2

After a start to the week marked by summer temperatures and sunny weather in most of the country, a significant stormy deterioration is about to hit France this weekend . Temperatures are likely to drop sharply.

The first signs of this instability are expected this Friday, May 2, with the rise of a depression coming from the Iberian Peninsula .

This low pressure area is causing marked atmospheric instability in the southwest of the country. The first signs of this deterioration are expected in the late afternoon, with thunderstorms expected to break out between 5 p.m. and midnight, according to Météo-France .

Intense localized phenomena

The forecast storms could be particularly intense, with heavy rainfall in a short period of time, sustained electrical activity , hail and wind gusts of up to 80 km/h , particularly due to the Autan wind in Midi-Pyrénées. The most exposed areas extend from Aquitaine to Limousin, with the storms progressing towards the northeast as the evening progresses.

In the face of these severe weather conditions, it is advisable to limit your movements as much as possible , particularly in wooded areas or near waterways. It is also advisable to store volatile objects in a safe place. For added safety, unplug non-essential electrical appliances.

The weekend will be marked by marked instability and a significant drop in temperatures . After a brief lull on Saturday morning, thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon , gradually reaching the center and then the northeast of the country, accompanied by sometimes heavy downpours.

This Sunday, May 4, the cool air will settle in for a long time, lowering the thermometer across the country . In the north, maximum temperatures will be around 16°C, while the south will retain milder values, around 20°C. Some cities will experience a real cold snap: in Lille, for example, the mercury will drop by 13 degrees in two days, going from 26°C on Friday to just 13°C on Sunday, according to Météo-France.

In our slideshow, discover the eight departments affected by the yellow alert for violent thunderstorms and hail this Friday, May 2.