France returned to winter this Tuesday, November 12, 2024, with snowfall significant impacts affecting several mountainous regions. Weather France placed seven departments on yellow alert for snow and iceparticularly in the Alps and the Pyrenees: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Ariège, Haute-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Hautes-Pyrénées. This phenomenon is linked to a mass of cold air descending on the country, causing a rapid drop in temperatures.
At the same time, the departments of Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Corsica were also placed under yellow alert due to the risk of thunderstorms or flooding. Winter conditions were particularly felt at altitude, with the rain-snow limit lowered in places to 1000 meters.
Snowy landscapes from 1000 meters above sea level
THE Alpes and the Pyrenees were the first massifs affected by this winter episode. Precipitation was abundant, particularly in the Alpine terrain. Of the 1200 meterssnow covered the ground, forming a thick layer above 1,300 meters. HAS Isola 2000in the Alpes-Maritimes, near 20 centimeters of snow were noted, a promising quantity for the upcoming opening of the station.
In the Pyreneesflakes have been reported from 1000 meterswith significant accumulations from 1500 meters. Localities like Saint-Lary saw their landscape transform in just a few hours. This first winter offensive also affected areas further south, such as Seynein the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, where the first snows brought an expected winter atmosphere.
In the Massif centralsnowfall was more modest, but some peaks were still whitened above 1000 meters.
Return of the sun before more precipitation
The weather forecast announces a temporary lull. From this Wednesday, November 13, the Alps will benefit from a honest sunshineand the Pyrenees will see the last snow showers disappear in the morning. However, a rise in temperatures is expected with a rain-snow limit reaching 2000 meters in certain massifs, which could lead to rapid melting of freshly fallen snow.
Despite this truce, winter seems to be gradually setting in. Starting next week, a further degradation is envisaged with the return of snow precipitation, particularly on the Alpes and the Pyrenees. Winter sports enthusiasts and tourism professionals are hoping for continued cold weather to ensure sufficient snowfall as the Christmas holidays approach.
A promising winter season?
These first snowfalls mark a promising start for winter sports resorts, particularly those in Southern Alps and Central Pyrenees. The amount of snow that has fallen is encouraging, but its continuation will depend on future weather conditions. There rise from the 0°C isothermexpected within a few days, could compromise the freshly deposited snow cover.
Mountain enthusiasts are impatiently awaiting the next forecasts, while resorts are sharpening their preparations to welcome vacationers. If winter continues on this path, it could offer a great season, both for athletes and for lovers of snowy landscapes.
With these first spectacular images of whitened mountains, France is fully entering the cold season, auguring a winter rich in opportunities for resorts and powder enthusiasts.
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