Rain, thunderstorms to roll from southern France to the Balkan Peninsula into Wednesday

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

A storm system tracking across southern Europe will spark daily downpours and severe thunderstorms into Wednesday.

Thunderstorms were focused across northern Spain on Monday, and will spread eastward into southern France and northern Italy on Tuesday.

"The biggest concern across southern France will be heavy rain and thunderstorms producing flash flooding," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys.

Downpours will be most widespread during the afternoon and evening hours and may impact travel from Toulouse to Marseille and Valence.

Farther to the east, thunderstorms that erupt across northern Italy will bring the risk for flash flooding and damaging winds. A few of the strongest storms can produce hail and spin up a brief tornado as well.

Areas from Milan and Genoa to Bologna and Rimini are at greatest risk for these locally severe thunderstorms. 

Satellite image showing thunderstorms over parts Spain and France on Monday. (EUMETSAT/Satellite Image)

Additional downpours Tuesday night will raise the risk for flooding across northern Italy, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On Wednesday, the threat for severe thunderstorms will shift south and east with areas from central Italy into the southern Balkan Peninsula at risk.

Dangerous thunderstorms are possible Wednesday afternoon and evening from southern Serbia and North Macedonia into northern Greece and Bulgaria.

Storms will once again bring the risk for flash flooding and damaging winds. A few storms can bring damaging hail.

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"I'm particularly concerned for heavy rainfall along the east coast of Italy which can result in flash flooding and mudslides," added Roys.

Downpours will also be a concern from Bosnia and Serbia into southern Romania on Wednesday and Wednesday evening.

A period of tranquil weather will follow the stormy weather across the Balkan Peninsula on Thursday and Friday.

Thunderstorms may return in time to dampen weekend plans across the region.