Cold Wave Hits France: Widespread Frost and Snow-Ice Warnings This Friday

Freezing Temperatures to Start the Day

This Friday, November 22, much of northern and eastern France wakes up to biting cold. Temperatures have plunged well below freezing: as low as -10°C in the northeastern plains, -3°C in Nancy and Belfort, with widespread frost ranging from -5°C to 0°C, especially from the northeast to the Massif Central, according to Météo-France.

Heightened Alert in 31 Departments

As of 6 a.m. this morning, 31 departments remain under an orange snow-ice warning issued by Météo-France. While the snowfall from Storm Caetano is moving eastward and exiting the country, caution is still necessary due to the risk of icy patches on the roads.

In some areas, such as Montbéliard (Doubs) on the A36 motorway, the situation remains particularly challenging. Since Thursday evening, several hundred trucks and cars have been stranded due to heavy snowfall.

Traffic Restrictions in Effect

In response to these hazardous conditions, traffic restrictions are in place across several departments. Authorities urge drivers to exercise extreme caution, particularly in areas still affected by freezing temperatures and ice formation.

Frigid Morning Temperatures, Slight Afternoon Warm-Up

Sub-zero temperatures extend far beyond the northeast:

• North and central regions: -3°C in Belfort, -1°C in Chaumont, 1°C in Auxerre, 2°C in Rouen.
• South and central-west regions: 0°C in Aurillac, 3°C in Lyon, 1°C in Limoges, 2°C in Tours.
• Paris: A cold start to the day, with 3°C expected.

In the afternoon, a slight warm-up is anticipated, especially along the Atlantic coast and in the Mediterranean region, where temperatures will be milder:

• 10°C in Bordeaux.
• 12°C in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Montpellier.
• 15°C in Nice and Corsica.

Weather Outlook: Showers and Clear Skies

The day will feature clearer skies in some regions:

• Southeast: The sun will dominate over the Mediterranean arc, though clouds persist over the Pyrenees, where the last snowfalls above 1,000 to 1,200 meters will fade as the day progresses.
• North and east: Snow showers remain possible from Brittany to Normandy and up to the Grand Est region, but they will be less intense than the previous day.

In Summary: Exercise Extreme Caution

Freezing temperatures and icy roads demand heightened vigilance, particularly for those traveling. However, the gradual return of drier conditions and sunny spells in the afternoon will bring some relief.