Weather: Up to 80cm of fresh snow arriving in the French Alps, Pyrenees and massifs by Christmas

All major French mountain ranges are set to receive heavy snowfall by the end of the week, with two separate episodes of severe weather expected. The weather conditions will guarantee fresh snow, particularly in the high mountain areas, thanks to two disturbances of North Atlantic origin.

First episode: snowfall starting Thursday 19 December

The first snow event will begin Thursday afternoonwhen a drop in temperatures will favor the arrival of snow on various mountain massifs. As reported by The Weather Channelthe snow will initially appear at higher altitudes, and then lower during the night. According to the data provided, the snowfall limit will be set at 1,000 meters on the Central Massifsui Vosges and in Swearand so on 1,200 meters on Northern Alps and on Pyrenees.

During the night, the limit of neve it could drop further to approx 800 meterswith accumulations estimated between 5 and 15 cm in the mid-mountain massifs and between 10 and 25 cm in high altitude areas. These first precipitations will be accompanied by cold temperatures, ideal for the formation of dry, powdery snow.

Second episode: heavier snowfall on Sunday and Monday

A second and more intense episode of neve is expected between Sunday and Mondaywith significant accumulations expected across all mountain ranges. According to forecasts provided by The Weather Channelthis second disturbance will bring sustained and widespread snowfallwith particularly abundant accumulations in the Northern Alps.

In these areas, forecasts estimate between 30 and 40 cm of snow a 1,500 meters and between 60 and 80 cm beyond i 2,000 meters. On the other massifs, such as the Pyreneesthey wait 15-20 cm of snow around 1,200 meterswith tips of 25-30 cm a 1,500 meters.

Favorable conditions for the Christmas holidays

Despite the heavy snowfall expected during the two episodes, a period of milder weather is expected for the Christmas holidays. This meteorological respite could offer ideal conditions for those intending to take advantage of the ski slopes or winter hiking. However, it remains crucial to monitor the evolution of weather forecastas sudden changes could affect scheduled activities.

The abundant ones snowfall forecast represents good news for winter sports lovers, but could also create inconveniences for road traffic in the mountains. It is essential to pay attention to the bulletins weather forecast and local alerts, especially in areas subject to risk of avalanches.

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