Beware of storms later today

Meteo France has issued an orange alert for storms from 16h today (Sunday 12th August), with possibility of hail, heavy rain and strong gusts of wind.

Departments covered are mainly to the west, but include Tarn and Garonne. The risks extend into the early hours of Monday, but will gradually fade.

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More storm threats

Meteo France has issued warnings of hail and high winds expected later today. The forecast for the next 10 days or so seems very mixed; warmer but with rainy spells and occasional stormy interludes.
So we must just make the most of the good days, such as this morning's beautiful book swap prospects.
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Orange alert for storms today

Parts of Tarn and Garonne, Lot and Correze may have heavy rain today, leading to flooding. An orange alert has been posted by Meteo France, running from 6am to 6pm (18h). Given the areas of the alert it may be more north and west of T&G which is affected and we eastern parts may be spared the worst - let's hope so for all the events taking part today.
Worth pointing out that Tuesday is May 1st, an official holiday and many firms may "faire le pont" by closing tomorrow as well.
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It has been foggy

Meteo France reports that December had a record number of foggy days. The high pressure prevalent during the month has kept the air static, trapped emission particles causing smog and blocked the sun.
On 22 days there was some fog and on several days it persisted all day. Even at the top of the hill here we have had days when the fog lasted all day and down in the valleys it has been worse.
Happily it looks clear and sunny today as a cold weekend is forecast.
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Strong winds this weekend

Meteo France warns of strong winds from the south this weekend. Gusts of up to 100km/h in the south of the region and perhaps as much as 75kph here in Tagland. Certainly we at Mas del Sol can attest to the fact that "il souffle". Fortunately the vent d'autan is warm so temperatures of around 20C are expected and the rain storms forecast have now receded to the middle of next week. The Meteo box at the side will give you full details if you click on it. Got to go out and stake up the trees and plants...
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This month has been warmer than average!

Trouble with averages is that a couple of dry warm weeks at the beginning of April have skewed the figures so that these last relatively cold and wet weeks have balanced the books.
Meteo France reports that in the region as a whole temperatures will be about 1C above normal and rainfall less than average - though the more northerly areas such as Quercy Rouergue have actually been wetter than average; our rain gauge will attest to this. The problem is that we expect the weather to gradually improve towards summer rather than the backward step of 2 degrees lower than average these last few days, brrr.
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Don't put your shorts away yet

Hard to believe today's forecast as at present we have wind and rain, but Meteo France says it will be up to 31C in Toulouse this afternoon and may even be sunny. The strong wind is from the south and producing unusually  high temperatures, though if you are planning to travel north today be wary of storms and heavy rain from Poitou Charente onwards.
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Spring Thursday

20th March, Thursday, is recognised as the first day of spring by Meteo France (the spring equinox) and it looks from the forecasts that it may be a sunny day - though exceptionally there will be a solar eclipse that day.
A partial eclipse of the sun will cross France between 9.10 am and 11.30 am. Oddly there have been warnings not of paranormal activity (though no doubt somewhere someone will be predicting that the high tides forecast the following day are all part of an extra-terrestrial plot), but there has been concern that Europe's increasing dependence on solar energy could lead to power cuts during the eclipse. And we thought solar power was good. Is it too cynical to think the "concerns" are mainly those of suppliers of other energy sources?
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Warmest year for 100 years

Sunday last was the first day of frost in Paris for over 12 months and with the following days also below zero this was the fewest number of freezing days since 1870. Other French cities also enjoyed a very mild winter last year and overall the year was the warmest since 1900. Sadly here in the south west the mild winter was followed by a very wet spring and summer. Can't have everything we suppose.
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Orange alert extended

Meteo France has extended the alert in 5 departments in Midi Pyrenees including Aveyron and Tarn. Mainly further south than us, but until at least tomorrow evening. Heavy rain and very strong winds.
The Var has been very badly hit again during the night with flooding and strong winds causing several cars to be carried away, one person killed and three others missing.
Just after 9 am and we are in the middle of a violent windy storm, great lightening flashes and Bonny is asking for a walk, "dream on Bonny"
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Batten down the hatches tomorrow

Very strong violent winds and rain forecast tomorrow. Le Grand Sud placed on vigilance orange, certain parks in Toulouse are being closed for safety.
It could be a day for wrapping christmas presents and making mince pies in the dry, warm kitchen.
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