France faces below-seasonal temperatures in the first days of 2026, with a lowland snow episode expected from this weekend. Many departments, including Paris, have activated the grand froid plan amid this persistent winter weather. Negative minima and low maxima will characterize New Year's under a lasting cold regime.
For several days, very low temperatures have led to the activation of the grand froid plan in many departments, including Paris and the surrounding region since this Sunday. France will begin 2026 under a lasting cold spell, with temperatures generally 3 to 4°C below seasonal normals, according to La Chaîne Météo.
This Monday morning, thermometers showed between -5 and -7°C across the northern half of the country, and up to -10°C in rural areas. Minima will remain negative all week, between -3 and -7°C, reaching -8 to -10°C in the Nord-Est and Massif central. Maxima will struggle to exceed 0 to 3°C in the North, compared to 5 to 10°C in the south. New Year's Day promises to be particularly cold, with a national average near 0°C, similar to late 2016 conditions.
The weather will stay dry and sunny over much of the country, though persistent fogs may affect the South-West and North-East. New Year's Eve night will be freezing, with widespread negative temperatures. These winter conditions will continue until the weekend.
From Thursday, cold air from Scandinavia will slide over the north, accompanied by light snow precipitation in the Nord-Est. A depression off the Iberian peninsula will bring milder air up from the south, creating a clash of air masses. This could lead to abundant precipitation and a risk of lowland snow, mainly in the North, center, and east of the country, notes Météo France.
"This cold could well be accompanied by humidity, with a high risk of a lowland snow episode in France, expected for the first weekend of the year," confirms La Chaîne Météo. The exact location and intensity remain uncertain, and forecasters urge following updates. Early 2026 will feature classic winter weather, with persistent frosts and clear skies, temperatures rising slightly but still below averages in the northern half. Maxima are expected to decrease further over the weekend, adds Météo-France.
