An Atlantic weather system reached France on Wednesday and collided with already established cold air, triggering a significant snowfall event from dawn onwards, spreading from the north to the central regions. Snowfall quickly became widespread from Hauts-de-France to Île-de-France, with 4 to 6 cm expected and locally up to 8 to 10 cm in the most active areas. With temperatures below freezing, the snow immediately stuck to the roads, making travel difficult and reviving fears of further disruption after the difficulties encountered on Monday.
A thaw is expected from the west during the afternoon.
As the hours passed, the snow front moved eastward, weakening as it fell, while the snowfall gradually ceased across the central part of the country. In the west, the weather system gave way to a milder, oceanic thaw accompanied by rain and wind, creating a more humid environment and temperatures rising above freezing for an extended period. Conditions gradually stabilized, although a few lingering snow showers persisted in the east of the country.
In the evening, the contrast between regions remains marked. The west will be entirely under rain with above-freezing temperatures, limiting the risk of refreezing, unlike the previous snowfall. Further east, a few snowflakes may still fall locally before the front gradually dissipates. Caution is still advised on the roads, however, particularly in areas where snow has remained for much of the day.
