[DG57]

Here, near Strasbourg, very humid, though only slightly rainy. Overcast, but mild (17°C at noon, with a humidex of 21, due to the humidity).
Hopefully, the sky will clear in the coming days, and with some good warmth. But the problem here in the North-East, is that any weather change is often too rough and brutal: most people cannot bear it, or barely. I belong to these people.

[DG57]

After a cloudy and humid morning, we had a pretty nice afternoon and now, the sky is (almost) cloudless, this evening. Maximum temperature of about 22°C today.

[DG57]

A hot day in most of France today.

Up to 34°C in the extreme South-West and up to 30/31°C in the central and northeastern parts.
Alpine valleys also experienced a few 30°C, while the Mediterranean regions were on the cooler side with 19 to 21°C, due to humid sea winds and mists (entrées maritimes in French) - except for interior and coastal Provence (24 to 27°C, from Marseille to Carpentras).
The English Channel region (Brittany, Normandy, North-Pas-de-Calais)) was also cool, especially the tip of Brittany, with only 14°C.

On this satellite map, we can see the cloudy and rainy North-West and the cool and misty Gulf of Lion (Mediterranean sea):

[Jason Smith]

As many UKWW members know, each year I attempt a Challenge in aid of a chosen Charity and this year it's Mont Blanc in France. We are attempting the TMB first around Switzerland, France and Italy before attempting the summit of Mont Blanc. The weather seems to be very changeable and at altitude temperatures are unpredictable at the best of times. We fly to Geneva around 30th June then onto the Challenge for 12 days so hope to get some updates on weather in the region and fingers crossed some glorious sunshine. Any members willing to sponsor me or support I would be delighted. Cheers http://www.justgivin...m/2012MontBlanc

[DG57]

Hi Jason,

What you're going to do is firstly sensational and courageous, then it is also altruistic. And this is all what I love about a person. Congrats! I could never do the same myself. Encore bravo l'ami!

I'll try to find some information about the weather, late June.

This post has been edited by MorganeLanesle: 11 May 2012 - 10:12

[DG57]

Some high humidex (heat index) in the South-West, the central part and the North-East of France, today afternoon:
the highest ones being in southwestern France, with 37 to 38 from interior Landes to interior Gironde.

[Jason Smith]

Thanks Morgane. Looking forward to seeing those temperatures rise across France as Summer kicks in.

[Ed.]

Yes, nice to see reports from over the Channel - green with envy? mois?

This post has been edited by Ed Shrops: 11 May 2012 - 22:08

[DG57]

Ed Shrops, on 11 May 2012 - 22:08, said:

Yes, nice to see reports from over the Channel - green with envy? mois?

Mimicking me? You? lol

[DG57]

The first 35°C+ of the season have been reached today in southern Provence, for example in Le Luc (35.3°C). We are in early/mid May and this is really exceptional and unusual to have such figures as early in the year. Note that even close to the sea, on the Var coast, temperatures were particularly high: Hyères hit 33.2°C. On the small islands of Porquerolles and of Levant, in the middle of the sea, it was also incredibly warm: 27.5°C for Levant and 28.8°C for Porquerolles, closer to the continent.

[Ed.]

35.3C is amazing to be honest...hope the French beer quenched thirsts accordingly! preferbly chilled.. not shaken til at least the storms arrive!

[DG57]

Ed Shrops, on 12 May 2012 - 22:57, said:

35.3C is amazing to be honest...hope the French beer quenched thirsts accordingly! preferbly chilled.. not shaken til at least the storms arrive!

lol!

[DG57]

Totally overcast, very rainy and pretty chilly in most of the country, the only exception being the extreme North-East (Alsace and Lorraine regions) \o/ Hooray!

On the second screenshot, we can see the Alsace region, clear and sunny (and warm!). The presenter is showing Brittany, also clear and sunny, a sign of improvement for the next days.



http://www.wat.tv/vi...kqh_2ey8l_.html (link - observations & forecasts)

New rainfall records, yesterday in the South-East: it has never rained so much during a 24-hour period in May, in a few locations east of the Rhone valley (for example, Toulon, Aubagne, Aix-en-Provence).

[Jason Smith]

Amazed to see heavy snow forecast for the Massif region at altitude tonight and tomorrow.
http://www.mountain-.../forecasts/4807

[DG57]

Jason Smith, on 21 May 2012 - 18:13, said:

Amazed to see heavy snow forecast for the Massif region at altitude tonight and tomorrow.
http://www.mountain-.../forecasts/4807

Yes, indeed, but we're still in May and it's at more than 4,000 m. asl. I hope things will get better for your challenge, Jason!

A strong storm with hail occurred in the Jura department yesterday (Sunday 20th May). Hailstones were as big as golf balls.

http://www.bienpubli...-le-departement
http://franche-comte...e-73991880.html (video: "orage et grêle dans le Jura")

[DG57]

The area of the city of Nancy (Lorraine) was devastated by a strong thunderstorm with very heavy rains, last night. One casualty: an old person; a firefighter was badly injured. A lot of material damages.
Here in Strasbourg, nothing too impressive.

http://www.letelegra...012-1711706.php
http://www.meteociel...lsace_lorraine/

[Dave K]

MorganeLanesle, on 22 May 2012 - 08:56, said:

The area of the city of Nancy (Lorraine) was devastated by a strong thunderstorm with very heavy rains, last night. One casualty: an old person; a firefighter was badly injured. A lot of material damages.
Here in Strasbourg, nothing too impressive.

http://www.letelegra...012-1711706.php
http://www.meteociel...lsace_lorraine/

Synops reported 102 mm for Nancy/Essey in just 6 hours, which included 33.0 mm in 1 hour, and 53.0 mm in 3 hours.

http://www.ogimet.co...&day=22&hora=06

[DG57]

Big Dave, on 22 May 2012 - 13:02, said:

Synops reported 102 mm for Nancy/Essey in just 6 hours, which included 33.0 mm in 1 hour, and 53.0 mm in 3 hours.

http://www.ogimet.co...&day=22&hora=06

Thanks for the report, Dave.

Here a translation (from Google, then revised by me) of the meteorological situation described by Météo-France on its Web site:

Monday 21st May 2012. The Greater Nancy was hit by intense rainstorms of an unusual nature.

A depression centered on Germany led to an unstable warm and moist air mass, favoring the development of thunderstorm cells on the North-East of France. In the heart of a rainstorm system, an isolated thunderstorm of a remarkable intensity occurred on the Greater Nancy in the early evening. This very localized episode has caused floodings, which ones were favored by a stronger runoff in urban areas.







Please note also the heavy rainfalls in the North Vosges region (quite close to where I currently live). It's the area in the northeasternmost corner.

http://france.meteof...cument_id=26714 (link)

[DG57]

A short hot spell is forecasted for tomorrow in the South-West.

Bordeaux is likely to hit 35°C.

[DG57]

The sea is already at a nice temperature around France.
Off the West coast, the SST is at 17°C, and off the South coast, it is at 21°C.
In the North-West, you can swim in waters at 12 to 14°C.