Snow is confirmed in France but will it really snow in Paris and Ile-de-France?

We announced it to you in our latest weather forecast:
winter is gradually setting in in France ! An important period for snow lovers who impatiently scan the sky and the weather reports.

So, let them rest assured! This weekend of December 7 and 8, 2024, snow is forecast in several regions of the metropolis. But what about Paris and Île-de-France? According to the site Going out in Paristhe situation remains uncertain. But meteorologists still urge caution.

Snow carried by a polar air flow

Just a few weeks ago, Storm Caetano surprised the Paris region. Especially, with exceptional snowfall for the month of November. This rare episode offered immaculate landscapes in Paris and its surroundings. And for the impatient, it gave hope for a start of winter marked by the recurrence of snowflakes. But the weather conditions this weekend look set to be very different. Because a flow of maritime polar air from the north is currently settling over the northern half of the country. And, it brings unstable weather and precipitation.

For the moment, snow is confirmed in regions such as the Grand Est, Burgundy and even mountainous areas. However, the probability of a return of snow
in Île-de-France remains, according to specialists, very limited. Indeed, weather forecasts indicate that temperatures in Île-de-France will fluctuate between 5 and 7 degrees this weekend. These conditions are not conducive to snow formation. Especially when the cold is not intense enough to allow the flakes to stick to the ground.

Almost zero chance of snow in Paris

And this is what Guillaume Séchet, meteorologist and founder of Météo-Villes, confirms. “ Maritime polar air descending via the North Sea will bring unsettled weather with precipitation. » However, for the Paris region, this precipitation could instead manifest itself in the form of rain or sleet. With only a few very localized flakes on the outskirts. Particularly in the slightly higher areas of Île-de-France. Because, in Paris itself, the idea of ​​a white coat seems to be more of a dream than reality.

Weather models suggest the possibility of a few showers or snowflakes, but nothing significant. Because the forecast temperatures are relatively mild for a snowy episode. And this softness strongly limits the chances of accumulation on the ground. “ At this stage, no significant accumulation is anticipated », Specify the forecasters. However, in peripheral areas, showers could suggest a few flakes during the night from Saturday to Sunday. But only Seine-et-Marne and Val-d’Oise are concerned. And, these episodes will remain very localized.

Mountains spoiled by snow

Thus, the inhabitants of Paris and Île-de-France must temper their hopes of snow cover in the capital. But, for their part, winter sports enthusiasts can rejoice. Because the Alpine massifs and the Pyrenees should record
significant snowfall from Saturday. The conditions will even be ideal a few days before the ski resorts open for the Christmas holidays. At higher elevations, subzero temperatures will favor a thick snowpack. A promise of spectacular winter landscapes!

So, for now, the prospect of seeing Paris under the snow this weekend remains very hypothetical. If the idea is a dream, it comes up against climatic realities. Because, at the start of the season, the Ile-de-France winter persists with its mildness. However,
the hope of seeing a few snowflakes flutter in the Parisian sky continues to liven up discussions. In the meantime, it is better to bring a warm coat to face a very cold weekend. But which will probably remain without snow!