Europe weather through Saturday evening: calmer across the west and centre, storms focus farther south

Europe is moving into the weekend with a clear shift towards more settled weather across large parts of the west and centre. On Friday 18 September, weak Atlantic fronts still bring cloud, rain and wind to northern Germany and nearby areas, while pressure rises farther south and west.

Western and central Europe turn more settled

France becomes sunnier and warmer by Saturday as high pressure strengthens. Switzerland and Austria also trend drier and brighter after a more mixed Friday, with mild afternoon temperatures in many lowland areas.

Northern Germany stays closer to Atlantic systems

Northern Germany remains one of the more unsettled parts of central Europe. Coastal areas can see strong south-westerly winds and periods of rain into Saturday, while southern Germany becomes calmer.

Storm risk shifts towards the Mediterranean

Italy shows a pronounced north-south split on Saturday. The north is mostly sunny, while Sardinia, central Italy and much of the south see a growing risk of showers and thunderstorms. Corsica and the southern Alps can also retain isolated storm risk.

By Saturday evening, the broad European picture is therefore calmer across much of western and central Europe, with the main convective activity focused farther south around the central Mediterranean.