Snow to hit Pyrénées this week bringing optimism to ski resorts
More than 20cm is expected at the highest peaks in mountain chain
Snowfall at the Piau Engaly resort (pictured) is expected
Arrayago/Shutterstock
Snow is set to arrive in the Pyrénées this week, despite warmer than average temperatures elsewhere across France.
A combination of calm conditions and the foehn effect mean that at the foothill of the mountains, temperatures of around 27C are expected today (November 5).
However, higher up closer to the peaks, snowfall may begin as early as Thursday (November 6) following a sharp drop in temperature overnight.
Rain at lower altitudes will turn into snow near mountain peaks, especially in central parts of the chain around Piau Engaly, the highest resort that with slopes reaching up to 2,600m.
A sunny day – peppered with showers – will bring a halt to snowfall during the day on Friday (November 7), before snow returns in the evening. Snow is then expected to continue into Saturday across more peaks of the range.
Read more: Winter tyre rules mandatory in French mountain areas from November
Areas of 2,000m or more above sea level could see up to 20cm or more of snow over the coming days.
Below this consistent snowfall is unlikely although around 4cm - 7cm is possible between 1,500m and 1,800m.
It is a positive sign for ski resorts in the chain hoping for a plentiful year of snow.
Stations in the Pyrénées will begin to open at the end of November, hoping more snow will accumulate in the coming weeks.
An upcoming dry period in mid-November however may limit the amount of snowfall in place before the winter sports season.
You can keep up with specific forecasts for mountain areas using the mountain forecast from state forecaster Météo France.
Le Figaro-owned La Chaîne Météo also provides its own forecast, which provides predicted snowfall.
