Perpignan

Heavy rain linked to a cold drop hit the Perpignan area in southern France, triggering weather alerts and major disruption outside a Catalan shopping centre. A local resident described scenes worse than a traffic jam, with around one hour and fifteen minutes of gridlock as shoppers struggled to leave after the storm. French media are covering the extent of the chaos.

Racing 92 prepare to take on USAP Perpignan in the Top 14 with growing concern over the club's form. French media describe Racing as looking like a club without direction, warning that their fight to stay in the top flight is already in danger. The match against Perpignan is seen as a key test for a side underperforming this season.

The trial over a fire that killed eight people in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque, near Perpignan, has begun, with prosecutors describing an insurance fraud attempt that turned deadly. French media report emotional testimony from the town, which is reliving the tragedy, plus witnesses described as embarrassing for the accused. Commentators highlight the contrast of eight lives lost for a few thousand euros.