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France Cold Wave Deepens With Snow in the East After the Coldest New Year’s Night Since 2002

A polar air mass has prompted yellow severe-cold vigilance across 26 departments.

Overview

  • Météo-France measured a national average of -3.9°C at 6 a.m. on Jan. 1, marking the coldest New Year’s night since 2002.
  • On Friday, light snow is expected in the Grand Est, Burgundy and the Jura with an evening ice risk, as the north stays grey and the south turns brighter.
  • Authorities warn of frequent freezing fog and slippery roads, with hazardous driving reported especially across parts of the north and southwest plains.
  • Forecasters say the cold will persist into next week and may intensify over the weekend, with additional snowfall possible in eastern and mountain regions.
  • The outbreak shows sharp contrasts, from -7.7°C at Cognac to -15.1°C at Ristolas, while Mediterranean areas and Corsica remain far milder.