The frozen air masses that brought record low temperatures to Scandinavia last week are moving southwards, so it will get even colder in France in the coming days. Several French prefectures have taken measures to protect vulnerable people from the cold.
Although climate change has brought some of the warmest months in history to France, it doesn’t mean there will be no more winter at all.
Temperatures across the country have fallen by more than 10 degrees Celsius since Sunday, according to meteorological service Meteo France.
More than half of the departments are under a snow and ice warning due to the arrival of cold air masses from Scandinavia, where record temperatures of -43 degrees Celsius were recorded in northern Sweden on Thursday.
Tuesday will be the coldest day on record with sub-zero temperatures in the morning across most of the country, with the exception of the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts.
The national heat indicator, which averages temperatures recorded at all weather stations, could dip below zero for the first time since February 2018.
Several departments have put in place their “plans grand froid” (plan grand froid) – official protocols to protect homeless people and others in unfavourable conditions, providing emergency shelter and heated spaces such as gyms where people can take shelter.
The Ile-de-France prefecture, which includes Paris and its immediate suburbs, has opened 100 emergency shelters. Further 274 are expected to open within a week.
A flood warning also remains in place in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments, after heavy rains last week caused widespread flooding for the second time in three months.
French President Emmanuel Macron has asked the government to “speed up the response” to the flooding to help those affected, as well as the most vulnerable and homeless. Prime Minister Elizabeth Borne is expected to tour the region on Tuesday.
