Yellow Storm Alert Issued in Finistère as France Endures Record-Breaking Cold Wave

The Finistère department in France has been placed under a yellow weather alert due to imminent storms and strong winds. Prefect Louis Le Franc has urged residents to exercise caution, avoid risky outdoor activities near water and wooded areas, and follow safety guidelines to mitigate potential hazards. Road speed limits on the Iroise bridge in Brest may be lowered depending on wind conditions, with updates provided through variable message signs.

This alert comes amid an unprecedented cold snap across France during the week of November 17 to 23, 2025, which saw temperatures plunge to historic lows, particularly in eastern and mountainous regions. The cold wave peaked on November 22, marking the coldest day since 1999, with a national thermal indicator low of 1.65°C. The following day, November 23, bore one of the coldest mornings in over two decades for eastern France, with cities like Colmar recording -10.6°C and Strasbourg -9.2°C.

Notably, mountain areas between the Jura and the Alps endured the most extreme cold, such as -22.3°C at Le Frasnois and -20.4°C at Les Fourgs. The most extreme temperature recorded was -35.1°C at Combe Noire in Jura. This severe cold wave resulted from a polar maritime air mass sweeping southward, generating frost nearly nationwide.

The prefect of Finistère emphasized securing belongings outdoors and advised citizens to stay informed via Météo France forecasts. He also recommended postponing maintenance work vulnerable to worsening weather conditions.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as France braves both the intense cold spell and localized storm threats, urging vigilance and preparedness among residents to cope with the unusual and hazardous weather scenario.