Snow Expected Across France This Weekend

PARIS, France — Winter has arrived early in France, with forecasts predicting snow across various regions in the coming days. The first flurries are expected to hit the Paris region on Saturday evening, particularly.

According to Météo France, snow will also fall along an axis from Hauts-de-France down to the southern Massif Central. A total of 25 departments, including Paris, have been placed on yellow alert for potential snowfall.

Departments under alert include Ain, Ardennes, Cantal, Creuse, Loire, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais, Puy-de-Dôme, Yvelines, Essonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, and Val-d’Oise. With more precipitation expected in the upcoming days and temperatures dropping below freezing, snow is likely to return.

Temperatures in the Northeast have already dipped to -5°C, a stark contrast from earlier in the week when they were similar to late Indian summer levels. Snow is projected to blanket the mountain ranges starting Wednesday. Areas near the Belgian and German borders, as well as the Central Massif, could see snow beginning at 700 meters elevation, dropping to 500 meters in the Alps.

Thursday is expected to see intensified snowfall, affecting a wide area from Hauts-de-France to the borders with Germany and Switzerland, Météo France warns. The Paris area and Centre-Val de Loire could experience a mix of rain and sleet. Along the Manche coast, localized snow showers are expected.

By Friday, snowfall will be primarily confined to the mountain ranges. The weekend forecast indicates a new weather system moving from west to east, bringing potential snow from Saturday evening into Sunday, primarily across the eastern half of the country.

Residents are urged to prepare for winter weather, with recommendations to bring out winter gear as the conditions are expected to evolve quickly.