Overall, the weekend is expected to be wet over a large part of the country, marking the temporary end of the mildness observed in recent days.
Which departments will be affected by the snow?
The snow is expected to mainly concern mountain areas, especially in the Alps. In some departments, flakes could appear at medium altitudes. Among the departments likely to be affected:
- Haute-Savoie;
- Savoy;
- Isère.
How to protect yourself against snow?
"According to Météo-France, the disturbance expected this week could be particularly strong. "This new disturbance is quite active, with sometimes sustained rain in its path. Gradually the rains shift to the East and South-West during the day on Friday, to block on Saturday along the Pyrenees, as well as in Alsace, Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Gard and Côte d'Azur", says Météo France on its website, specifying that Saturday promises to be "agitated" in these departments. "Snow appears from 600/800 meters above sea level, but on the Pre-Alps, it can snow from 400/500 m, or even lower. In the Rhône Valley, we also have to deal with the sensitive mistral (the "black mistral" situation)," the meteorological institute continues.
Faced with the risks of snow and ice, Météo France invites vigilance, and reminds that a "sticky snow depth of only a few centimetres can seriously disrupt, or even block, road traffic, air and rail traffic" and it can also "be enough to cause an accident, especially without the appropriate equipment of the vehicle with snow tyres". It is therefore recommended to equip yourself with suitable tyres, to check the traffic conditions before hitting the road and to regularly follow the weather reports.
What you need to remember:
- Temperatures will drop again this weekend;
- Many regions will be affected by the rain;
- Snow will return in some departments.
