Brace Yourselves: Storm Season is Back!
Ah, November in France, where the only thing more unpredictable than the weather is your uncle’s karaoke skills at family gatherings. This Monday, November 25, marks the anticipated return of rains and floods—because nothing says festive season like a good old-fashioned tempest!
The Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture has placed the department on yellow alert from the evening. That’s right, folks, we’ve gone from ‘Let’s have a cozy evening with some wine’ to ‘Grab your paddles and life jackets!’ in a matter of hours!
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The chaos will apparently be courtesy of Storm Bert, which has already wreaked havoc across the UK and Ireland. As we head into the evening, brace yourselves for violent rains and potential flooding, especially in the beautiful, sun-soaked Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse. That’s right, people, rain in the South of France is the new black!
In case you fancy a swim, temperatures in Marseille were around 14° this morning. Nothing like a bit of unseasonal warmth to make you feel like you’ve just walked into a wrong weather film set. Clouds are gathering, due to what seems to be a midlife crisis of a cold front and a warm front joining forces. And the predicted precipitation? Just a leisurely 20 to 30 mm in the Alpilles—that’s enough to fill your nearest swimming pool, or drown your gardening ambitions!
According to Paul Marquis, our friendly neighborhood meteorologist, expect a “rainy-stormy weather passage” over the Rhône valley from 11 p.m./midnight. So, while you’re cozying up with your second helping of coq au vin, keep an ear out for the storms! He reassuringly suggests that “the end of this episode is scheduled around 7:00 a.m.,” which is basically a weather report that sounds like a film screening. Plus, Vaucluse has a different approach, with locals advised to stay safe amidst winds that can gust up to 95 km/h—exciting stuff, isn’t it?
Just to add some contrast, the good news is that the sunshine will grace us again by Tuesday mid-morning. Cue the classic “return to autumn” narrative we all love! The temperatures will ease back into mildness, and you might want to prepare for brunches with friends instead of swimming lessons.
So there you have it: storms, alerts, and a touch of cozy sunshine by Tuesday. It’s all happening! Remember to keep your umbrellas handy and make the best of the wet and wild. Just think of it as nature’s way of reminding us to appreciate the warmth of our homes!
Stay safe, stay dry, and may your homes remain more stable than the weather forecast!
This Monday, November 25, residents in the Bouches-du-Rhône region should brace for the anticipated return of torrential rains and the potential for flooding. In response to these weather conditions, the prefecture has issued a yellow alert, starting in the evening hours. Alongside these weather warnings, temperatures are notably rising, contrasting sharply with the cooler conditions experienced last week.
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Consequences of storm Bert, which has already wreaked havoc in the United Kingdom and Ireland, are now being felt in France as violent winds sweep through the center and eastern parts of the country. In the South, particularly in the departments of Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse, authorities have issued alerts for potentially hazardous rain and flooding, expected to commence this evening.
This morning in Marseille, the temperature hovered around 14°C, creating an uncharacteristic mildness for late November, which is well above the seasonal average. As the day progresses, clouds are forming due to a clash between a cold front and a warm front, setting the stage for significant precipitation.
“A passage of rainy-stormy weather is forecast over the Rhône valley, the Alpilles, and the Val de Durance, tonight from 11 p.m. to midnight,” states Paul Marquis, a seasoned meteorologist and the founder of E-Meteo Service. He further elaborates, “The end of this weather event is projected to occur around 7:00 a.m. in Aix-en-Provence and Marseille.“
Vaucluse is set to be under yellow alert starting at 3 p.m. today as meteorologists predict a robust east to southeast wind, with gusts potentially reaching up to 95 km/h. Rain and flooding are anticipated to begin from 10 p.m., prompting the Vaucluse prefecture to advise residents to exercise extreme caution.
If current forecasts hold true regarding the impending rainy-stormy conditions, expected precipitation will likely range from “20 to 30 mm in the Alpilles, 5 to 10 mm in the interior of the Bouches-du-Rhône department, and the coastline is expected to receive minimal rainfall, around 2 to 4 mm,” the weather expert explains. However, he reassures, “The good weather will return by mid-morning on Tuesday, bringing sunny skies and pleasantly mild temperatures for this time of year.“
Paul Marquis anticipates that from Tuesday through Friday, temperatures will remain on the mild side. He likens this period to a “return of autumn following a brief interlude of winter.” Looking ahead, he notes that with the arrival of the weekend, anticyclonic conditions are likely to resume, leading to warmer afternoons, although mornings may feel a touch cooler.
How can individuals ensure their safety during extreme weather events like Storm Bert?
Brace Yourselves: Storm Season is Back!
Today, we’re joined by Paul Marquis, a local meteorologist, to discuss the approaching Storm Bert and its implications for the Bouches-du-Rhône region. Welcome, Paul!
Interviewer: Thanks for joining us, Paul! Can you give us a brief overview of what residents can expect with Storm Bert moving into the Bouches-du-Rhône?
Paul Marquis: Absolutely! We’re looking at a significant weather event starting this evening. The prefecture has issued a yellow alert, which indicates potential hazardous conditions. Expect violent rains and wind gusts that can reach up to 95 km/h in some areas—definitely not the cozy evening we were hoping for!
Interviewer: That sounds intense! What kind of rainfall are we predicting, and when should people really be on guard?
Paul Marquis: We’re looking at rainfall totals between 20 to 30 mm in the Alpilles region. That’s enough to cause local flooding, especially given the vulnerabilities in urban areas. The most impactful weather is expected between 11 p.m. and midnight. It’s crucial for folks to stay informed and prepare accordingly.
Interviewer: And what can people do to stay safe during these storms?
Paul Marquis: First and foremost, stay indoors if possible, especially during the peak of the storm. If you have to head out, secure any loose items outside that could become projectiles in high winds. It’s also smart to have an emergency kit ready, just in case. And remember, after the storm, there’ll be a return to milder weather by Tuesday morning—so hang in there!
Interviewer: It sounds like quite the rollercoaster weather-wise! Any final thoughts for our listeners as we brace ourselves for Storm Bert?
Paul Marquis: Just a reminder to stay updated on weather alerts and take them seriously. This storm could disrupt daily routines, but with preparation, we can all weather the storm safely. Enjoy the calm after it passes, and don’t forget to appreciate the comforts of home during the wild weather!
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights, Paul! Stay safe out there, everyone, and make sure to keep your umbrellas handy. Whether you’re sipping coq au vin or hunkering down, let’s make the best of this storm season!
