snow returns to France this weekend, here are the 11 departments placed on yellow alert this Sunday

This Saturday, December 21, 2024, we are officially in winter. This day marks the winter solstice, namely the shortest day of the year and, consequently, the longest night. This event corresponds to the moment when the Sun reaches its lowest point in the sky during its apparent trajectory, due to the tilt of the Earth's axis. And good news, after the solstice, the days gradually begin to get longer, until the summer solstice in June.

Thus, winter sets in in France, and with it, the return of snowy landscapes and freezing temperatures. As the end-of-year holidays approach, this winter atmosphere could delight Christmas lovers, providing the perfect atmosphere to immerse themselves in preparations for the festivities. But this magical interlude also comes with challenges, particularly on the roads, where caution will be required this weekend.

11 departments under snow and ice vigilance

For this Sunday, December 22, Météo-France forecasts a further deterioration in weather conditions. Rain, snow, ice and gusts of wind will punctuate the day, impacting a large part of French territory. In this context, 11 departments have been placed on yellow vigilance for risks of snow and ice, while others will have to deal with strong winds or avalanche risks.

The departments affected by the yellow snow and ice vigilance this Sunday are mainly located in the center-east and the Massif Central. It is about Ain, Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isère, Hautes-Alpes, Rhône, Loire, Haute-Loire, Allier, Puy-de-Dôme and Cantal. In these areas, snowfall is expected to be particularly intense between midday and midnight, making travel sometimes difficult, particularly on secondary roads and at altitude. Motorists are invited to be extra vigilant and to provide suitable equipment to travel safely.

Avalanche risks and strong winds

At the same time, four departments (Hautes-Alpes, Haute-Savoie, Savoie and Isère) are also placed on yellow alert for avalanche risks. These alerts mainly concern mountain areas where the accumulation of fresh snow, combined with winds at altitude, increases the danger of snowpack instability. Further south, Corsica, as well as Haute-Garonne and Ariège, are also monitored for avalanche risks. In the west of the country, these are violent winds which dominate the concerns. Several coastal departments have been placed on yellow alert, while in the northwest, eight departments (Manche, Calvados, Orne, Eure, Seine-Maritime, Somme, Oise and Aisne) are on alert for storms.

Beyond these specific phenomena, the rain will be everywhere over a large part of the territory, offering a gray and gloomy sky for this Sunday day. Whether for vacationers en route to their destinations or for those planning to stay at home, caution is the watchword when faced with these winter weather conditions.