Paris – 06/28/2026: Following a prolonged and intense heatwave in France, Météo-France is warning of severe thunderstorms expected on Sunday, June 28, across several parts of the country. A total of 38 départements have been placed on alert to protect the population from the storms. These thunderstorms are expected to bring strong gusty winds, hail showers, and heavy precipitation.
The cause of the thunderstorm situation is a combination of the previously prevailing extreme heat and the influx of an Atlantic low-pressure system, which creates significant atmospheric instability. Initial thunderstorms may already appear during the night into Sunday and in the morning in northwest France, but they are mostly of moderate intensity there. In the afternoon and evening, thunderstorm activity will increase significantly along a wide corridor from Aquitaine through Normandy up to near the Belgian border. Individual storms in these areas may develop supercell characteristics, potentially causing severe weather.
Particularly dangerous are intense hail showers with hailstones up to five centimeters in diameter, especially in the central part of the country up to the Belgian border. At the same time, storm gusts reaching speeds of 100 to 120 kilometers per hour are possible. In southwestern France, particularly in the Aquitaine region, hailstones between three and five centimeters and wind gusts of 80 to 100 kilometers per hour may occur. In addition to hail, heavy rainfall and pronounced lightning activity are expected, increasing the risk of flooding and other storm-related damage.
These thunderstorms may continue into the night from Saturday to Sunday, with a slight weakening of the most severe features forecasted. Furthermore, on Sunday, a new thunderstorm development is expected along a cold front in the western part of the country. This front extends from the Pyrenees to northeastern France and poses a high risk of strong gusts, heavy rain, and hail, especially between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central.
Authorities strongly advise paying attention to current weather warnings and seeking shelter indoors during the thunderstorms. Outdoor activities should be avoided, loose objects secured, and windows closed to minimize injuries and property damage. Meanwhile, Météo-France continues to provide updated forecasts and safety information on its website to keep the public informed as effectively as possible.
This weather situation follows one of the most severe heatwaves of the year in France, which especially stressed countless regions throughout June. The sudden shift to thunderstorms with storms and hail presents considerable challenges for residents, emergency responders, and infrastructure.
Sources
- Météo-France