sometimes medium or large, strong electrical activity, violent gusts and even whirlwinds” are forecast, with temporary “violent gusts of wind” expected near the coast in particular.  The stormy conditions are understood to be due to a powerful Atlantic high-level current which is crossing France from Brittany.

As a result, “numerous thunderstorms” are expected to continue until Monday morning in Brittany and could produce between 60 and 80mm of rainfall overnight.  Meanwhile, gusts of wind at a speed of up to 50 to 70km/h are anticipated to occur over the Channel. French residents and tourists, many of whom may have been hoping to bask in the final rays of summer sun, have now been advised to remain vigilant and avoid travel where possible due to the storm's “intensity and the expected cumulative rainfall”.  In a post on social media platform X, Mateo France warned: “A worsening rainstorm will cross the southeast of the country on Sunday afternoon and evening.” “Significant accumulations of #rain in a short period of time are to be feared, but also a risk of hail and gusts of wind.” (Dailymail)