France weather: unseasonable warmth followed by a sudden cold snap

France is experiencing a significant period of unseasonable warmth this week, driven by an anticyclone and subtropical air from North Africa. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 30°C in the Southwest, with some areas seeing felt temperatures as high as 34°C. In the South, regions like Occitanie and the Côte d'Azur will enjoy summer-like conditions, with highs ranging between 23°C and 27°C.

This warm spell is temporary. A sharp transition is forecast for the end of the week as a cold drop (goutte froide) moves in from the North Sea and Scandinavia. This will bring a sudden cooling effect and increased instability, with rain and showers expected across much of the country by the weekend. Some regions may experience a significant drop in temperatures, marking a return to typical autumn weather.