Most of northern France - and some of south - set for snow this week

Snow is set to fall across much of the north - and areas of the south and south-west of France - this week as high and low pressure winds collide across the country.

Temperatures returned to January averages over the course of the weekend although two departments (Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin) have maintained grand froid plans.

The presence of low-pressure winds coming from Spain, and high-pressure winds coming from northern Europe, sees much of France at risk of snowfall even if temperatures will not drop significantly below seasonal averages.

Snow is expected today (Monday January 15) north of the Seine, as well as minor snowfall in the Limousin and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes areas too.

A respite on Tuesday will be followed by snow falling across most of the north – and some places in the south – throughout the rest of the week.

Snow ‘even on the plains’ in the north

In most cases, snow will be preceded by some rainfall, as the high-pressure winds from Spain bring rain before being intercepted by the cold but dry northern winds.

Wednesday (January 17) will see rainfall across most of the country before snowfall begins, particularly in the north and the east.

Snow will fall in both the Normandy and Hauts-de-France regions, as well as around the capital on Wednesday, predicts the weather group La Chaîne Météo (owned by Le Figaro).

It could fall “up to 150 km south of Paris” depending on the intensity of the clashing winds.

Thursday (January 18) will see snow begin to fall in Brittany as well as in Alsace as colder winds from the north push deeper into France.

The snow will also fall at lower altitudes than usual, and will be present on the plains of most departments, meaning almost all in the regions affected will wake up to pristine vistas.

Read more: SEE: Beautiful photos of snow in France

Snow south of the Garonne?

The northern winds will continue to descend through France on Thursday evening, and by Friday will cover most of the country.

This may stop snow falling further north, although colder temperatures may persist due to the bitter winds dominating.

In the south however, where winds from Spain will still be coming into contact with the colder winds, snow will fall in the Pyrénées and hilly areas, with predictions of snow at ‘low altitudes’ south of the Garonne river in the south-west.

There could also be snow in the lower areas of central France (Centre-est).

Will snow continue into the weekend?

Friday evening should see a return to calmer weather and no more snow. The weekend is set to be mild, with average temperatures resuming and much of the country remaining dry.

If snowfall is particularly high during the week, official weather forecasters Météo France may increase warning levels for drivers.

You can keep up to date with all weather announcements (up to 48 hours in advance) on the official website.

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