Record rainfall continues in southern France, February set to be very wet
Southern France is enduring an exceptionally wet winter, with February rainfall already exceeding monthly averages and further rain expected well into the second half of the month.
Southern France is experiencing unusually heavy rainfall, with some stations recording six days of rain by 6 February — already surpassing the average total for an entire February.
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January was also exceptionally wet, with rainfall 30–80% above normal.
Meteorologist Paul Marquis attributes the ongoing wet spell to a southward shift of the jet stream, directing Atlantic depressions toward the Mediterranean.
He warns that the rainy conditions are likely to continue until at least 15–20 February, with frequent showers and above-average temperatures sustaining the wet weather.
While the rain is helping replenish groundwater, experts caution that it does not guarantee a dry-free summer, and spring conditions will ultimately determine water availability.
Mountain areas have benefited, with snowfalls of up to 30 cm restoring ski resorts after a poor December.