Paris Homeless Face Life-Threatening Struggles Amid Severe Cold Wave

Paris is enduring a brutal cold wave, with temperatures dropping to -3 degrees Celsius, severely impacting its homeless population. Madeleine, a 70-year-old woman new to life on the streets, finds the cold particularly harsh; she copes by using layers of blankets and clothing and spends nights on metro night buses to stay warm. This severe weather has also led to tragic consequences, including the death of a 58-year-old man in Chartres from hypothermia after sheltering in a supermarket parking lot.

The Île-de-France prefecture has activated the 'Grand Froid' plan since December 28, 2025, to address the crisis. This plan includes increased outreach to homeless individuals, providing families with hotel accommodations, and extending daytime shelter hours to offer more respite from the cold. These measures come as the city grapples with rising vulnerabilities during the snow and ice conditions forecasted for January 5 and onwards.

While Paris airports remain operational amid wider regional disruptions caused by the snowfall and icy roads, the focus remains on mitigating the cold's deadly effects on those without shelter. This situation underscores the urgent humanitarian challenge faced by the city and its authorities as they mobilize resources and support to protect vulnerable populations during this harsh winter phase.