A powerful low-pressure system is set to cause significant disruption to the weather across the Mediterranean region over the next few days. From the French Massif Central to the central Apennines in Italy, widespread rainfall of 50 to 100 litres per square metre is expected within a very short period of time.

There will also be isolated thunderstorms. These may bring even heavier rain in some areas, and hail is also possible in places. Conditions will be critical in some areas: flooding and landslides are possible.

In the Western Alps, the low-pressure system is showing its wintry side. In the high mountains, 20 to 50 centimetres of fresh snow is expected to fall by Wednesday evening. The snow line will drop below 2,000 metres at times.

By Thursday, the situation will have eased again. There will only be the occasional shower or thunderstorm. The good news is that the risk of forest fires is decreasing – and nature can certainly do with the spring rain.