Updated Wednesday, 16 September 2026 at 14:00 CEST: A broad Atlantic and northern European flow is pushing cooler, more changeable air across large parts of western and central Europe. Rain bands and showers affect countries from France and Germany into the Alpine region, while southern Europe remains noticeably warmer.
Wednesday afternoon: unsettled from France to the Alps
France sees a mix of cloud, showers and brighter spells. Germany remains changeable with scattered rain, while Switzerland and Austria experience cooler conditions and repeated showers, especially close to the Alps. Northern Italy turns increasingly stormy from the Alpine regions southward toward the plains.
Farther south, much of the central and southern Mediterranean remains drier and warmer. Rome and parts of southern Italy continue to see summer-like temperatures.
Thursday: rain near the North Sea and the Channel
A fresh Atlantic disturbance brings cloud and rain toward Brittany, the English Channel and parts of northern France. The German North Sea and Baltic coasts are also more exposed to wind and showers.
Alpine region: cooler, gradually improving in places
Switzerland and western Austria begin Thursday with residual cloud and rain, but some regions north of the Alps become brighter as the day progresses. Northern Italy stays more unstable, with thunderstorms possible before conditions slowly improve from the west.
Southern Europe stays warmer
Across parts of Spain, the central and southern Mediterranean and the Balkans, temperatures remain higher and sunshine is more frequent. The sharpest weather changes are concentrated along the frontal zone from western Europe into the Alps and northern Italy.
Travel note
Drivers crossing the Alps should expect rapidly changing visibility, wet roads and locally heavy showers. Air travellers may also encounter delays around active thunderstorm areas in northern Italy and the Alpine region.