Snow and black ice: France to get first dose of winter weather this week

"France is expecting its first cold snap of the winter this week, with freezing temperatures and snow forecast for lowland areas. French weather forecaster, La Chaîne Météo, has warned that this week marks the arrival of "real winter weather". With a low-pressure system descending from the North Sea, forecasters warned in the weekly bulletin that rain and snow, even at lower altitudes, were on the horizon for later in the week."

"On Monday, the forecasters warned temperatures would start dropping compared to last week. Morning temperatures could range between 6C to 10C in northern France and 9C to 15C in southern France, rising only 1 to 2C by afternoon, according to Météo France. Forecasters also predicted sunny skies "north of the Seine", with grey, cloudy weather in southern France and windy weather along the Mediterranean."

"For Thursday, forecasters have predicted highs between 2C and 7C across much of the country, as well as the first snowfall at low altitudes in northern and eastern France, and more snow at higher altitudes in the northern Alps and Pyrenees mountain ranges. Meanwhile, along the Mediterranean, forecasters expect to see morning showers, strong gusts of wind, and highs around 10C."

A low-pressure system from the North Sea will bring rain and snow to lower altitudes later in the week. Temperatures will fall, with Monday morning values around 6–10C in northern France and 9–15C in southern France, rising only 1–2C by afternoon. Northern areas north of the Seine should see sun, while southern regions remain cloudy and the Mediterranean stays windy. Tuesday will be overcast along the English Channel with widespread frost at daybreak. Wednesday will become wetter and colder as rain and cold spread east and south. Thursday highs of 2–7C will bring first low-altitude snow in northern and eastern France and heavier snow in the northern Alps and Pyrenees; Mediterranean mornings will see showers, gusty winds and highs near 10C. By Friday temperatures should mostly remain below 7C.

Read at The Local France