Europe wakes up in two seasons: near-freezing in the Alps, summer warmth still gripping France

Europe begins Wednesday with one of the clearest temperature contrasts of the early autumn.

Germany: cold start, mild afternoon

Southern Germany locally drops to around 0-3°C in the morning, while coastal areas remain near 12-15°C. Afternoon highs recover to about 17-22°C.

Switzerland and Austria

Many Alpine valleys start in the single digits, with some higher locations close to freezing. Sunshine then lifts lowland temperatures into the high teens and low 20s. Snow levels remain generally above normal pass roads.

France remains exceptionally warm

Southern France reaches 28-32°C, while the north is cooler at around 20-24°C near the Channel and 24-29°C inland.

Italy turns cooler

Cooler Balkan air lowers temperatures across northern and eastern Italy. Most regions stay dry, while Sardinia and Sicily keep a risk of local showers.

Late-day change in the north-west

North-western Germany becomes more unsettled by evening, with isolated thunderstorms and strong gusts possible near the North Sea.