France has experienced its coldest Christmas Day in around 15 years, with a sharp drop in temperatures prompting the activation of the government’s plan grand froid in more than a dozen departments.
According to the national thermal indicator (indicateur thermique national), conditions comparable to those recorded on December 25 this year have not been seen since 2010.
The cold snap affected the entire country, with ‘felt temperatures’ approaching -8C in parts of northern France, including the Hauts-de-France region.
The sudden return of winter weather follows several weeks of relatively mild conditions earlier in December.
Authorities moved quickly to respond, particularly to protect vulnerable individuals, such as the homeless.
The plan grand froid is active at level 1 (“temps froid”) throughout Normandy and in other departments including Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin, Mayenne and Pas-de-Calais.
Other areas, notably Nord and Somme, are at level 2 (“grand froid”), reflecting more severe conditions.
The plan grand froid operates on three alert levels, determined by daily forecasts of daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Plan grand froid levels
Level 1 is triggered when daytime temperatures remain positive but nighttime lows fall between 0C and -5C.
Level 2 corresponds to negative daytime temperatures and nighttime lows of -5C to -10C.
The highest alert, level 3 (“froid extrême”), is reserved for periods when temperatures remain below freezing during the day and drop below -10C at night. This level allows prefectures to take exceptional measures if required.
When the plan is activated, emergency accommodation capacity is increased, outreach services are reinforced, and opening hours for charities and support organisations extended.
Local authorities may also organise additional welfare checks and transport to shelters.
Weather forecasts indicate that this cold episode is likely to last at least two days, with temperatures remaining below seasonal norms and often below zero, particularly at night.
As a precaution, several prefectures have indicated that the plan grand froid could remain in place until early next week.
While the measures are primarily aimed at protecting the homeless, health authorities also advise the general population to take care during periods of sustained cold, particularly older people, young children and those with chronic illnesses.
Residents are encouraged to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and ensure adequate heating in their homes.
