Chilly weather is sweeping across France due to a cold air mass, causing instability and frequent precipitation, including snow at lower elevations. This week, regions like the northeast and southeast are experiencing snowfall, with mountain areas seeing significant accumulations. Morning frosts are expected to increase, with temperatures dropping to as low as -7°C. While the plains may see minimal snow, ski resorts will benefit from fresh snowfall. Milder weather is anticipated by mid-next week.
Chilly Conditions Sweep Across France
This week, a cold drop is influencing the weather in France, bringing an unusual chill to the air. This phenomenon, characterized by a small depression containing cold air at higher altitudes, is causing instability within the atmosphere, resulting in frequent showers and occasional hail. With a shift in wind direction to the north-northeast, cold air is making its way across the nation. This drop in temperatures, paired with precipitation, is leading to snowfall at progressively lower elevations, reminding us that winter is not finished with us just yet.
Snowfall Expected in the Plains
Residents in the northeast and southeast may have noticed snowflakes this Thursday morning. Areas such as the Morvan, the Langres plateau, and the Lorraine plateaus saw accumulations exceeding 10 cm at higher altitudes in Côte-d’Or. Throughout the day, the rain-snow line will rise significantly, hovering around 500 meters in the Vosges, 700 meters in Auvergne, and 900 meters in the Jura.
In addition to the snowy weather, a significant portion of the northwest is expected to experience instability, manifesting as hail mixed with sleet, rain, and snow. Following this snowy spell, Friday, March 14, will see a return to a regime of showers, primarily affecting areas above 600 to 900 meters in elevation.
As we head into Saturday morning, March 15, another wave of caution is warranted due to incoming precipitation from the east. When this moisture interacts with the cold air already in place, it may lead to snowfall, even in the plains of Auvergne and Burgundy. By Sunday, any lingering snow showers are likely to remain confined to mountain ranges.
Moreover, morning frosts are expected to become more frequent. While snow accumulation in the plains is anticipated to be minimal, mountain ranges will see substantial fresh snow, with totals reaching around 20 cm in the Vosges and Jura, 25 to 30 cm in the Auvergne, and potentially exceeding 50 cm in the Alps and Pyrenees. These snowfalls will undoubtedly benefit ski resorts, ensuring a robust conclusion to the winter season.
The reason for these snowflakes can be attributed to the presence of a cold air mass enveloping the country. By Friday, the morning chill will intensify, with temperatures plummeting between -3 and 0°C across much of the northern region. This trend will persist into Saturday, affecting two-thirds of the north, with localized lows of -4 or even -5°C in traditional cold spots such as Champagne, Burgundy, Limousin, and Sologne.
As we approach Sunday, March 16, areas like Normandy, Aquitaine, and the Mediterranean coast will remain free from frost. However, the rest of the country will experience plunging temperatures, reaching as low as -6 or -7°C in Auvergne, with even lower readings in the Alps and Pyrenees. After a continued risk of morning frosts into Monday and Tuesday, mild weather is expected to return by next Wednesday, thanks to a southwesterly wind. Thus, the fluctuating temperatures will persist, keeping everyone on their toes.