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Lyon, France – Residents of Lyon are preparing for a dramatic shift in weather conditions this week. Following a mild Tuesday with temperatures reaching 20°C, the city is set to experience a sharp decline in mercury as Storm Charles moves across the southern part of France.
Storm Charles brings rain and cooling
According to Météo-France, the depression known as “Charles,” moving up from the Iberian Peninsula, is expected to impact the Rhône region primarily through rainfall on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Forecasters anticipate approximately 18 mm of rain throughout the day, with 8 mm falling in the morning and 10 mm in the afternoon.
While high wind gusts are expected in the Pyrenees, Lyon is predicted to remain largely sheltered from the worst of the winds, with only a light North-North-West breeze expected on Thursday afternoon. However, the temperature will begin to level off at 15°C.
A 12-degree drop in three days
The most significant change will occur following the passage of the storm. By Friday afternoon, November 13, the mercury is forecast to plummet. Météo-France predicts a high of only 8°C in Lyon, which represents a 12-degree drop compared to the 20°C recorded on Tuesday. The cooling trend will continue into Saturday morning, with temperatures expected to reach as low as 3°C.
| Day | Forecast | Expected Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday (Nov 10) | Mild | 20°C |
| Thursday (Nov 12) | Rain (18mm) | 15°C |
| Friday (Nov 13) | Sunny/Cold | 8°C |
Context of the weather shift
This rapid cooling occurs amid reports of an unusually early disturbance in the polar vortex-the system of high-altitude winds circling the Arctic. While scientists at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) have noted this as the earliest stratospheric disturbance ever recorded, Météo-France emphasizes that its direct impact on France remains highly uncertain and, if felt, would likely only occur weeks from now.
The current cold snap in Lyon is expected to be brief, with forecasts from Infoclimat already suggesting a return to 14°C by Sunday afternoon.
Source: actu.fr
