Cold Snap Brings Snow: France Weather this week, November 11-15

Cold winter winds moving across France this week will result in low temperatures everywhere, but also plenty of snowfall in the mountainous areas.

In the south, the weather conditions will be more unstable, while in the north, it will be sunny and mild. 

Monday – Armistice Day, which will be marked with a number of commemorative events – will be a grey day for many people. 

Sunny skies will prevail in the south-east early in the day as clouds move from north to south. 

In the east, showers are expected. Highs will be around 8C or 9C, the coldest in the country. 

However, other parts of France will remain dry, except for possible showers in the north late at night. 

In most parts of the world, temperatures are not expected to surpass 20C, although they will approach it along the Mediterranean coast, which is still experiencing warmer than average temperatures. 

Read Also: Winter storm warning on Hwy 3 with 30-40 cm of snow predicted

German winds are expected to start arriving on Tuesday, pushing out the previously calm conditions that had kept temperatures up in France. 

It is expected that winds will blow from the eastern border towards Spain, bringing rains in the east and storms in the south-east. 

In areas with the strongest winds, temperatures will drop by around 4C.

In Brittany, the south-west and the Mediterranean, and 16C in Nice, high temperatures will be 13C, while most other regions will see highs of 11C or less. 

Temperatures in most parts of the country will drop by around 2C, becoming colder than average for the first time in a number of weeks.

By contrast, the northward winds will force grey skies out, leading to sunny skies even if temperatures do not rise. 

Cold German winds will continue to bring snow to high altitudes in the south, particularly in the Alps, as temperatures drop.

A mostly sunny day is expected, with rain only in the Pyrénées, which could turn stormy. 

A small amount of sleet is expected along the English Channel, but it is unlikely that it will reach Normandy from the coast. 

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National average temperature is 6.7C on Thursday, the coldest day of the year.

In autumn and winter 2024/2025, the temperature has been nearly 2C lower than average for the season. 

North of Lyon, and in some parts of central-eastern France, the morning temperature may be below 0C, never exceeding 8C during the day.

Toulouse, Montpellier, and Nice are still forecast to have highs of 15C, but they will drop rapidly as evening approaches. 

Sunny, warmer conditions will return to the south and cooler, cloudier conditions will return to the north by the end of the week. 

Spain’s rain may end up reaching the Mediterranean, however, affecting its southern coast. 

Saturday is forecast to be a calm day, but Sunday is expected to include heavy rains across much of the country.

Read Also: Kapuskasing and Surrounding Areas are under a Winter Weather travel Advisory

Cold weather is expected to continue on Saturday, though less severe than earlier in the week. Northern and mountainous regions will still receive snowfall, and temperatures will hover around the freezing mark across most of the country.

People will remain bundled up during this cold weather, as they prepare for a potentially long winter ahead.

Snow and freezing temperatures affect a large area of France, so staying safe is important. To help you deal with the cold snap, here are some tips:

• Drive Safely: If you have no choice but to travel, be sure that you have snow chains installed in your vehicle and carry an emergency kit.
• Dress Warmly: Wear warm clothes and insulated outerwear, hats, gloves, and scarves to keep yourself warm.
• Stay Informed: Pay attention to weather updates before your trip, especially if you’ll be traveling in affected areas.

In France this week, the cold snap that lasted from November 11 to 15 showed just how quickly the weather can change. After a cool, manageable week, the temperatures dropped to below freezing and snow started to fall, making millions feel like they were in the middle of a winter event.

Snowfall has caused significant disruption in some areas, but has made for a great start to the ski season in others. Winter is undoubtedly upon us, but there will likely be some relief as the weekend approaches.

Read Also: B.C. is under Snow, fog, and Rain Advisories issued by Environment Canada