Extreme cold for end of year in France? -10C in some predictions

France is set to experience the coldest winter solstice in 15 years today (Tuesday, December 21) with temperatures slipping below zero in several regions.

Météo France predicts freezing temperatures for Grand Est, Centre-Val de Loire, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Normandy and the north of Nouvelle Aquitaine this morning, and the colder weather conditions will last throughout the day.

Today also marks the winter solstice, which will fall at 16:59 in France, bringing the year’s shortest day to a close.

The cold weather could strike again in the lead-up to New Year if the freezing air currently sitting over Russia and eastern Europe shifts over France.

Mild ocean air will save the country from sub-zero temperatures over the Christmas weekend, but the front of cold air could descend as we move into next week.

Global Forecast System, a worldwide weather prediction tool run by the US National Weather Service, states that the weather system over Russia could push temperatures down to -10°C or even -15°C if it arrives in France.

These temperatures have hardly ever been recorded outside of the mountains in France since the 1970s.

Related stories

Provence town near Marseille was sunniest place in France in 2021

International effort saves sick Briton in remote French mountain hut