France Activates 'Grand Froid' Emergency Plan Amid Historic 2025 Christmas Cold Wave

France is facing its coldest Christmas since 2010, with temperatures dropping drastically across numerous regions. This severe cold wave has prompted several prefectures to activate the national "Grand Froid" emergency plan to protect vulnerable populations, especially the homeless.

On December 25, 2025, perceived temperatures reached nearly -8°C in Hauts-de-France and were expected to feel as low as -10°C in parts of the country. In response, over ten departments have implemented the "Grand Froid" plan, which organizes a three-level system of vigilance based on temperature thresholds. Level 1 corresponds to cold nights between 0 and -5°C, Level 2 involves daytime temperatures below zero and nights between -5 and -10°C, and Level 3, or "extreme cold," is triggered when nights dip below -10°C and days remain below freezing.

Prefectures in regions including Grand Est, Hauts-de-France, Normandy, Pays de la Loire, and Île-de-France have deployed emergency measures. These include opening emergency shelters in public buildings such as gyms and schools, extending hours for day shelters, and increasing outreach services and resources for homeless assistance. For example, the Seine-et-Marne prefecture in Île-de-France opened 27 emergency accommodation places at a college in Tournan-en-Brie. Departments like Somme and Nord have already reached Level 2 on the severity scale.

The plan's activation ensures additional winter accommodation availability, outreach operations with supplies distribution including blankets and canned food, and mobilization of emergency services including the 115 hotline. The cold spell is expected to persist for at least two days, with the plan remaining in effect through the following week to safeguard those most at risk during this historic cold wave.

Authorities emphasize the importance of these measures given the critical drop in temperatures and the need to avert risks associated with prolonged exposure to cold for vulnerable groups.

As the nation endures the harshest winter conditions in over a decade, emergency responders and social services remain fully mobilized to provide shelter and support, affirming France’s commitment to protecting its citizens during severe weather crises.