Overview
- Météo‑France forecasts a wintery first week of 2026 with temperatures about 3–4°C below seasonal norms, frequent overnight freezes and local lows near −8 to −10°C.
- Prefectures, including in Paris and Île‑de‑France, have activated cold‑weather measures to bolster shelter and support for vulnerable people.
- Freezing fog is expected around New Year’s Eve, raising risks of icy roads and localized slick spots, especially in the north and northeast.
- Forecast models increasingly support a weekend clash of cold northern and milder southern air that could yield plains snow, with location and intensity still uncertain.
- Marked regional contrasts persist, with stronger mistral and tramontane winds near the Mediterranean and fresh snow returning to mountain ranges as stagnant conditions may worsen air quality in places.