Tour de France 2017: Thunderstorm threat as racers climb into the Pyrenees on Thursday

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather meteorologist

July 12,2017, 9:00:16AM,EDT

 

 

Largely dry and comfortable conditions will be welcomed by racers and spectators this week at the 104th edition of the Tour de France.
The tranquil weather of Tuesday and Wednesday was a stark contrast to the heat, humidity and wet weather that affected several stages last week.
The threat for rainfall will return on Thursday, although odds are in favor of dry weather prevailing.

Stage 12 will take the riders from the low elevation of Pau to Peyragudes in the Pyrenees. Stage 13 on Friday will again take riders into the Pyrenees.
The large differences in elevation throughout the routes will result in temperatures ranging from 15-24 C (59-75 F) and also bring the potential for dramatic changes in weather.
High pressure building over the Atlantic Ocean to the west of France will block any significant weather systems from impacting southern France this week; however, there could be just enough moisture in the air to help spark an isolated shower or thunderstorm in the Pyrenees both Thursday and Friday.
Another concern is that riders may have to contend with localized pockets of clouds and fog significantly reducing visibility near the mountain passes.
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Dry weather is expected this weekend as the racing continues across southern France.

While the Tour de France dodges wet weather for much of this week, northern France will continue to be under the threat for showers and thunderstorms.
A thunderstorm produced widespread flooding as it rolled through Paris on Sunday night. More than 50 mm (2 inches) of rain fell within an hour in parts of the city.