If since the Darragh storm heavy snow accumulations have been recorded in the Pyrenees, is this snowfall likely to be preserved in the resorts? At first glance, the cold air of recent days will remain at altitude with temperatures sometimes strongly negative at night. Good news for the Pyrenees and Béarnaise resorts such as Gourette, La Pierre-Saint-Martin and Artouste. However, partial melting of the snowpack should be expected.
Stations between 1200 and 1700 meters above sea level are most subject to these risks. Especially since in the valleys, the trend is not towards a winter offensive for the holidays, according to forecasts from Météo France. The end of December should be relatively deficient in precipitation, with the return of anticyclonic conditions from the South-West.
Temperatures above seasonal norms
In the absence of snow, there should be fog during Christmas morning before gradually dissipating during the day. The return of mild weather could cause the snow to melt in the mountains at low and medium altitude.
The outlook looks relatively similar for New Year’s Eve. Worse, according to estimates, temperatures could be above seasonal norms, which could be problematic for maintaining snow in the mountains.
Remember, however, that these are only forecasts, so changes may still occur between now and the deadlines…
France
