Rain, gray weather, gusts of wind over 100 km/h… The weekend promises to be particularly gloomy in France. But also freezing, according to weather forecasts, which predict a sharp drop in temperatures.
Polar air descent
If until Saturday noon, the mercury should remain within seasonal norms, “from Sunday, temperatures will drop,” explains Météo-France. The cause: a northwesterly, then northern sector flow, which will direct a polar air mass towards France from the British Isles. The latter will significantly refresh the country.
In detail, on Sunday, “afternoon temperatures will range from 2 to 10°C generally from the North-East to the South-West, locally a little closer to the Mediterranean”, continues the meteorological institute. . The “felt” temperatures will be even lower due to the humidity and wind which will persist.
The arrival of snow
The drop in temperatures combined with disrupted weather will lead to snowfall in French mountain ranges, from the Alps to the Pyrenees. Météo-France indicates that the rain – snow limit could go down to 600 meters. Locally, flakes could even fall on the plains.
At medium altitude, 10 to 20 cm should fall, particularly in the Jura, the Vosges and the Massif Central. From 50 cm to one meter of snow could fall locally above 1,000 meters, Météo-France points out. Good news for winter sports enthusiasts, as the first resorts should open in the days and weeks to come. However, these forecasts call for extreme caution, particularly on the road.
-A persistent cold
Winter temperatures are expected to persist at the start of next week, and fall below seasonal norms. “The coldest day will probably be Wednesday,” indicates La Chaîne Météo. The mercury may not exceed 4°C. “We are not talking about a cold snap at this stage, but what is certain is that a cold period is expected thereafter since temperatures should remain 2 to 3°C below normal throughout the week of the 8th. to December 13,” she continues.
Frosts are also expected next week. But the risk of snowfall remains, for the moment, limited.
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