France Endures Deep Freeze With Record-Low Temperatures

A widespread cold wave has gripped the country, with temperatures plunging far below seasonal averages and 34 departments under cold weather alerts.

France is experiencing a severe cold wave, with temperatures dropping as low as -15.5°C in Chamonix and -19.8°C in Tignes, particularly affecting mountainous and northeastern regions.
In the South-West, record lows were recorded, including -10.8°C in Corrèze and Creuse, and -8.8°C in Lot-et-Garonne, with widespread frost reported across Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Météo-France has issued a yellow cold weather alert for 34 departments, highlighting risks in areas like the Ardennes, Lorraine, and the Limousin region.
The cold is expected to persist through the week, with Tuesday predicted to be the coldest day, featuring morning temperatures up to 8°C below seasonal averages.
Despite the freezing conditions, Météo-France does not classify this cold wave as a dangerous phenomenon, noting that similar events have occurred in recent winters.