Weather for the week December 9 to 13: Winter arrives in France
A chill is to spread across the country with temperatures 3C below seasonal norms
Snow is expected in mountainous areas, and in the Pyrenees in particular, where high (orange) alerts for avalanches are in place
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France will feel the arrival of winter this week (December 9 to 13) as grey skies and temperatures 3C below seasonal norms spread across the country.
A high-pressure system over the British Isles coupled with depressions over the Mediterranean will see cold weather move south through France this week.
This will not mean a repeat of the violent winds of Storm Darragh seen on December 7 to 8 but will bring cold temperatures, overcast grey skies and in some areas, snowfall.
Monday, December 9
Overcast skies cover most of the country with gales on the Channel coast, a Mistral wind in the Rhône valley and blustery winds in the centre of France giving the cold temperatures more of a bite.
Many departments in the north remain on alert due to the risk of local flooding, however little rain is forecast.
Snow is expected in mountainous areas and in the Pyrenees in particular, where high (orange) alerts for avalanches are in place.
Highs of 12C are forecast in Nice (Alpes-Maritimes) and Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône).
Tuesday, December 10
The grey cloud cover will thicken over most regions with the exception of the Mediterranean coast, which should see some sunny spells
Little precipitation is forecast and the wind should settle in most areas.
The risk of avalanches will remain high in the Pyrenees.
Highs of 13C are forecast in Nice (Alpes-Maritimes)
Wednesday, December 11
Clearer skies and higher afternoon temperatures are forecast, which will fall close to freezing in many areas at night.
Most areas will be dry, however the risk of avalanches remains in the Pyrenees.
Highs of 14C are forecast in Nice and Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône)
Thursday, December 12
An easterly wind will bring dry and clear but cold weather from Thursday morning.
Frost should return to the lowlands from the east to the centre of the France
Along the Mediterranean coast, the easterly wind will bring a mixed bag of weather with higher temperatures and showers likely.
Highs of 15C are forecast in Nice and Marseille.
Friday, December 13
Clear skies are forecast in the northern half of France, and overcast, wet weather for the south.
Snow is likely to fall at lower altitudes in the Pyrenees.
Highs of 14C in Perpignan (Pyrénées-Orientales) and Nice.
