France Faces Severe Cold Wave and Snowfall Warnings During Christmas 2025

France is bracing for a severe cold wave and significant snowfall across several regions as Christmas 2025 approaches. Météo France forecasts temperatures plunging to between -5 to -8°C at night in Charente-Maritime, with daytime temperatures remaining just above freezing, triggering a red alert for health and safety, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the homeless and isolated individuals. Brice Blondel, prefect of Charente-Maritime, has called for vigilance and announced emergency measures including the activation of 230 year-round shelter places plus 25 additional beds at La Rochelle's 'la Mahut' shelter. Outreach teams will actively transport vulnerable people to these facilities from December 24 to 29, and the 115 emergency number will facilitate further accommodations as needed.

Simultaneously, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is expecting snowfall of up to 10 centimeters beginning the evening of December 24, with specific orange vigilance alerts issued for the Drôme and Ardèche departments. Lyon is poised to receive 2 to 5 centimeters of snow. These wintry conditions are caused by a clash of moist Mediterranean air with cold Rhône Valley air, creating hazardous driving conditions and increasing accident risk during the busy holiday travel period. The cold front is sweeping across much of France, making this Christmas the coldest since 2010, with an average temperature of around 3°C nationally, widespread frost in the north, and mild weather along the Mediterranean coast.

Authorities are urging caution and preparedness as these conditions are expected to challenge travel and increase vulnerabilities during the holiday days. The situation will be reevaluated at the end of December 29 based on weather developments and shelter demand.