Severe Hailstorms and Violent Wind Gusts Expected Across France This Weekend
Paris, June 19, 2026 – France is bracing for a series of severe thunderstorms, bringing large hail and violent wind gusts, anticipated to affect several regions between Thursday, June 18, and Saturday, June 20, 2026. While not generalized, these storms are expected to be particularly intense in certain areas, with a significant risk of strong hail.
First Hailstorms in the North on Thursday
The initial storm activity began on Thursday afternoon, June 18, 2026. These storms, though disorganized, were more prevalent in northern France, extending from the northern Centre region towards the Belgian border, and encompassing the Île-de-France region. The most severe storms were expected late in the day. They had the potential to generate intense rainfall, hail up to 2 to 3 cm in diameter (and occasionally much larger), powerful descending wind gusts (80-110 km/h) known as downbursts, and sustained lightning activity. Isolated storms were also possible in western regions, reaching the Pyrenees and the Massif Central, as well as the Alps, potentially bringing heavy rain and hail.
Continued Storm Risk on Friday
New storms are forecast for Friday, June 19, 2026, primarily in the afternoon, evening, and overnight in northern France. The highest risk is predicted from the Paris basin to the Belgian and German borders, and from the northern Alps to the Jura massif. Similar to Thursday, these storms carry a risk of severe phenomena, including hail up to 2 to 4 cm in diameter, intense rainfall, powerful descending wind gusts (80-100 km/h), and significant lightning. Scattered storms may also occur from the Pyrenees to central France. These storms are developing within a heatwave context, with very high temperatures making conditions particularly oppressive.
Localized Storms on Saturday
With rising atmospheric pressure, storm triggers are expected to be more localized on Saturday, June 20, 2026. However, most models indicate the development of storm cells in northern France late in the day, specifically from the northern Centre region towards Belgium. Where storms do form, the risk of severe phenomena remains. This includes intense rainfall, hail several centimeters in diameter, strong wind gusts, and sustained lightning. Localized storms may also develop from the southwest to the northeast of France, with additional storm activity affecting the Alps, particularly the border massifs.
The storm risk is expected to decrease on Sunday, June 21, 2026, as high-pressure systems assert themselves and the heatwave intensifies.
Source: https://www.meteo-paris.com/actualites/des-orages-de-grelons-geants-sont-a-craindre-entre-jeudi-et-samedi
