Severe Cold Wave Sweeps Across France: Seven Western Departments on Orange Alert

A Deep Freeze Spreads Across France

France is in the grip of an intense cold wave this week, as Arctic winds sweep across the country from the north and east. What began as a regional chill in eastern France has now expanded westwards, blanketing nearly the entire country in freezing air masses.

Météo-France has placed seven western departments — Calvados, Côtes-d’Armor, Eure, Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine, Manche, and Seine-Maritime — under an orange “snow and ice” alert from midnight through Monday, warning of difficult driving conditions and potential travel disruptions.

Heavy Snowfall in Normandy and Brittany

Starting overnight, Normandy and Brittany are expecting notable snowfalls. The heaviest accumulations are forecast for inland areas, where 3 to 7 centimetres could quickly cover the ground, and up to 10 centimetres in elevated regions.

Météo-France cautions that the snow will arrive suddenly, with “rapid accumulation on frozen ground,” creating slippery and dangerous conditions on roads and rural routes. The snowfall is likely to disrupt local traffic, public transport, and school commutes, especially during the morning rush hour.

By late morning Monday, the snow is expected to move southward, though flurries may continue into the afternoon across coastal areas from the Manche to the Finistère.

Bitterly Cold Temperatures Nationwide

The cold wave is characterised not only by snow but also exceptionally low temperatures across much of the French mainland.

Early Sunday morning, thermometers fell to -12°C in the Doubs and Cantal.
The Lot and Ain departments saw -11°C, while Bergerac and Orléans recorded -9°C.
Even in typically milder areas of western France, temperatures dropped well below zero, hovering between -6°C and -3°C.

In the southern Alps, the cold has been described by meteorologists as the harshest chill since January 2017. Overnight values of -10°C to -15°C have been reported in the Alpine valleys.

This freezing pattern is expected to persist through the week, with several regions likely to experience days without thawing — particularly in eastern and central France.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

According to meteorological models, the cold front will remain in place through midweek, with a chance of further snowfalls extending toward the Loire Valley and Île-de-France. While no major storm systems are yet confirmed, forecasters are monitoring potential new snow events that could follow the same Arctic weather flow.

Motorists are strongly advised to:

Avoid unnecessary travel on Monday and Tuesday.
Equip vehicles with winter tyres or snow chains in affected regions.
Stay updated on local traffic and weather bulletins via Météo-France and regional prefectures.

Residents should also prepare for possible energy demand peaks, school transport delays, and intermittent power issues in isolated rural communities due to ice accumulation on power lines.

Expert Insight: A Classic January Cold Snap

Meteorologists refer to this kind of event as a “continental polar outbreak,” drawing cold air from northern Europe and the Arctic basin. It’s typical of mid-winter but stands out this year for its reach and intensity, stretching from the Mediterranean coast to the English Channel.

While climate scientists note that Europe’s winters have generally warmed over the past decades, cold snaps remain part of natural variability, often intensified by blocking high-pressure systems that trap frigid air masses over the continent.

Stay Safe and Stay Warm

Authorities are urging vigilance, particularly for older people and vulnerable populations, as multiple nights of frost are expected to follow. Local charities have increased their street patrols, offering shelter and hot meals to the homeless.

As France endures this powerful start to 2026, the week ahead promises a challenge for commuters and communities alike — but also a reminder of the raw beauty and power of winter when nature takes centre stage.