Four Days of Heavy Rain Expected in France
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France is set to experience four days of heavy rainfall, caused by a depression, a weather system with low atmospheric pressure. Forecasters have now announced the date when this wet spell will end.
Before the rain arrives, the middle of the week will bring warmer weather. However, temperatures will then fall dramatically, by as much as 15°C within just 48 hours. This sudden change is known as a cold snap, and it will coincide with the start of the weekend.
The timing is notable because it matches the beginning of the autumn school holidays, known in France as the Toussaint break. Many families travel or take trips during this period, so the shift in weather could affect their plans.
Meteorologists have linked the rain and the drop in temperature to a weather phenomenon called a goutte froide, a French term that translates as 'cold drop'. This refers to a pocket of cold air that becomes isolated high in the atmosphere, often bringing unsettled weather such as heavy rain, strong winds, and sharp temperature changes.
Weather services are closely monitoring the situation and have issued forecasts predicting when conditions will improve. Residents are advised to stay informed about updates, since both the intensity of the rain and the length of the cold period may affect daily life, travel, and outdoor plans during the holiday period.
Experts recommend that people prepare for a few uncomfortable days, with wet conditions for travellers and families should plan accordingly as the first days of the school break approach.
Vocabulary10 words
- depression
- a large weather system with low pressure, often bringing rain
- cold snap
- a sudden short period of much colder weather
- school holidays
- the period when schools are closed for students
- goutte froide
- French for 'cold drop'; a pocket of cold air trapped high in the sky
- unsettled weather
- weather that changes often and is not calm
- forecast
- a prediction of what the weather will be like
- atmospheric pressure
- the force of the air pushing down on the Earth
- meteorologist
- a scientist who studies and predicts weather
- coincide
- to happen at the same time as something else
- intensity
- how strong or powerful something is
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Quiz
Answer key
1. A depression 2. They will drop sharply, by up to 15°C 3. A pocket of cold air trapped high in the atmosphere
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
France is set to experience four days of heavy rainfall, caused by a _____, a weather system with low atmospheric pressure. Forecasters have now announced the date when this wet spell will end.
Before the rain arrives, the middle of the week will bring warmer weather. However, temperatures will then fall dramatically, by as much as _____°C within just 48 hours. This sudden change is known as a _____, and it will coincide with the start of the weekend.
The timing is notable because it matches the beginning of the autumn school holidays, known in France as the _____ break. Many families travel or take trips during this period, so the shift in weather could affect their plans.
Meteorologists have linked the rain and the drop in temperature to a weather phenomenon called a _____, a French term that translates as 'cold drop'. This refers to a pocket of cold air that becomes isolated high in the atmosphere, often bringing unsettled weather such as heavy rain, strong winds, and sharp temperature changes.
Weather services are closely monitoring the situation and have issued _____ predicting when conditions will improve. Residents are advised to stay informed about updates, since both the intensity of the rain and the length of the cold period may affect daily life, travel, and outdoor plans during the holiday period.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever had holiday plans affected by sudden weather changes? What happened?
- Why do you think people want to know exactly when bad weather will end?
- What do you usually do to prepare when heavy rain or a cold snap is forecast?
- Do you think weather forecasts are generally accurate in your country? Why or why not?
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