Cold Wave Persists Across Northern France Amid Freezing Fog and Regional Weather Contrasts

As of December 28, 2025, a cold wave continues to affect France, particularly the northern half of the country, with freezing fog and low temperatures prevailing. According to RTL, temperatures in northern regions are hovering around frigid levels, with Bourges expected to reach -3°C and places like Strasbourg and Belfort experiencing afternoon temperatures near freezing or below. The Grand Cold Plan has been activated in some departments to address these harsh conditions, though the Île-de-France region has not activated the plan, stating current temperatures do not meet the threshold for such measures. Despite this, authorities have intensified outreach efforts for the homeless by extending shelter hours and opening new accommodation spaces.

This cold spell is attributed to a powerful anticyclone centered between Iceland and the British Isles, which is maintaining calm but cold weather conditions in France. Infoclimat reports that this anticyclone has caused persistent stratus clouds and freezing fog in central and northern regions, including Saint-Etienne, Clermont Ferrand, and Chateauroux, where temperatures often dip below freezing, with some locations recording lows as cold as -10.3°C. Meanwhile, southern France experiences markedly different conditions. Cities like Nice, Perpignan, Marseille, and Ajaccio are enjoying milder temperatures ranging from 12°C to 14°C and sunny skies. The Roussillon region has seen heavy rainfall exceeding 150 mm during 72 hours, bringing relief after drought but also causing some flash flooding.

Météo-France forecasts that this cold and calm weather pattern will persist for at least the next two days, with negative temperatures expected to continue across much of the north. The contrast between the chilly north and the warmer, sunnier south is expected to remain stable in the immediate future.

In explaining the decision not to activate the Grand Cold Plan in Île-de-France, regional prefectures pointed to Météo-France's data, clarifying that the plan is usually reserved for more severe cold events. Nonetheless, the focus on vulnerable populations remains high, with social services adapting operations accordingly.

This ongoing cold wave underscores the sharp regional disparities in weather conditions across France during late December 2025, from freezing fog and frost in the north to sunshine and mild temperatures in the south.