Paris, France – The French capital is bracing for continued severe winter weather as Météo-France maintains an orange alert for snow and ice for Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Following two days of significant disruptions, including widespread transport issues and the closure of the Eiffel Tower, residents are advised to prepare for further challenging conditions.
Continued Snowfall and Icy Conditions Expected
The city and its immediate suburbs have been under an orange alert for snow and ice since Tuesday, January 6. Snowfall and sub-zero temperatures have turned many sidewalks and roadways into treacherous, slippery surfaces, with several centimeters of snow still covering parts of the region. This has led to considerable disruptions across the RER, Transilien, and bus networks, complicating daily commutes.
In response to the ongoing winter episode, the police prefecture has activated the Level 3 Snow and Ice Plan, implementing traffic restrictions and enhanced safety measures. The iconic Eiffel Tower, a major tourist attraction, was temporarily closed to the public until Friday afternoon as a precautionary measure.
Despite continuous overnight efforts to clear snow and salt roads, authorities have urged citizens to limit non-essential travel, especially during peak hours, due to persistent unstable road conditions.
Wednesday’s Forecast: A Chilly Outlook
According to meteorological data, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, is expected to be another challenging day, particularly in the morning:
- Early Morning (4:00 AM – 8:00 AM): Temperatures will hover between -1°C and 0°C, but the combined effect of high humidity and wind will make it feel as cold as -7°C.
- Morning (from 8:00 AM): Weather models indicate a high probability of further snowfall, with accumulations potentially reaching up to 1.7mm. Temperatures will remain near 0°C to 1°C, creating conditions conducive to slippery roads and further transport disruptions. Moderate winds, blowing at around 20 to 22 km/h, will intensify the morning chill.
- Afternoon: Temperatures are forecast to slowly rise towards the end of the morning, reaching approximately 3°C by midday.
Residents are strongly advised to check real-time traffic information before traveling and to plan their journeys accordingly, especially for work commutes. Where possible, delaying early morning travel, opting for telecommuting, and adapting driving behavior are highly recommended. Prudence remains paramount until all snow and ice have completely dissipated.
Safety Recommendations from Météo-France
Météo-France has issued several recommendations for residents during periods of orange alert for snow and ice [vigilance.meteofrance.fr](https://vigilance.meteofrance.fr/fr/paris):
- Limit travel and inform yourself about road conditions.
- Equip your vehicle with special winter tires or chains.
- Carry provisions and blankets if you must travel by car.
- Do not use combustion heaters continuously indoors and ensure proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Stay informed through official channels.
The current cold snap is part of a broader winter episode affecting France. Météo-France reports indicate a new snowy episode is expected on Wednesday, with 38 departments under orange alert for snow and ice, extending from Hauts-de-France to northern Nouvelle-Aquitaine, including Île-de-France [meteofrance.com](https://meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-france/paris-3e-arrondissement/75003). The perturbation is expected to cross the country from west to east, bringing snow to low altitudes in the northwest during the morning.
The intensity of snowfall could reach 1 cm/hour, with temporary peaks of 2-3 cm/hour. Freezing rain is also a concern in some areas before a warming trend from the west. Morning frosts are widespread, with severe conditions in the east, potentially reaching -8°C to -4°C in plains and around -15°C in the Jura and Alps. Maximum temperatures will see a noticeable increase in Brittany and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, reaching 8-12°C inland, but remaining cold elsewhere.
The city continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to prioritize their safety and adjust their routines to the challenging weather conditions.
Source: jds.fr, Météo-France
