Paris, January 6, 2026 – The Île-de-France region, including its capital Paris, has been grappling with significant snowfall and icy conditions since Monday, January 5, 2026. Météo-France has placed the entire region under an orange alert for snow and ice, prompting major disruptions across various sectors.
Snowfall and Freezing Temperatures Grip the Region
Snowfall began on Monday afternoon, affecting all of Île-de-France and continuing into the evening. Accumulations of 1 to 3 cm have been reported in Paris, with higher figures reaching up to 7 cm in Seine-et-Marne and Yvelines. These conditions are exacerbated by negative temperatures, hovering around -4 to -5°C on Monday morning and expected to remain well below freezing, particularly in the outer suburbs where temperatures could drop to -6°C in areas like Meaux and Milly-la-Forêt.
The persistent cold is expected to cause rapid accumulation of snow on the ground and lead to dangerous black ice, especially during the night from Monday to Tuesday. Météo-France has also warned of freezing fog developing overnight, primarily impacting the eastern parts of Île-de-France, including Seine-Saint-Denis, Essonne, and Seine-et-Marne.
Widespread Transportation Chaos
The severe weather has brought significant disruptions to public transport and road networks. The RATP and SNCF have urged commuters to check traffic conditions regularly and to consider teleworking if possible. Many bus lines have been affected, with some, like line 411 in Yvelines, temporarily suspended. Bus services in Paris and several other Parisian towns have been completely halted. Tramway services are also experiencing reduced frequencies or temporary interruptions, and RER and Transilien lines are facing delays, particularly in areas heavily impacted by snow.
Road traffic is severely complicated, with a ban on heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes in several Île-de-France departments, and over 3.5 tonnes for those carrying hazardous materials on the main network. The Prefect of Police of Paris has activated Level 3 of the Snow and Ice Plan, implementing speed limits of 80 km/h for all vehicles and prohibiting overtaking for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes until Tuesday, January 6, at 10:00 AM. Traffic information can be monitored via Sytadin and Île-de-France Mobilités.
Air Travel and School Transport Affected
Parisian airports, including Roissy-Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Le Bourget, are also experiencing disruptions. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has requested airlines to reduce their flight schedules by 15%. Passengers are advised to verify their flight status before traveling and to use public transport to reach the airports.
School transport services have been suspended for Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in the departments of Yvelines, Seine-et-Marne, and Essonne due to the hazardous conditions.
Emergency Measures and Safety Advice
In response to the extreme cold, the ‘Plan Grand Froid’ (Extreme Cold Plan) has been activated in the Parisian region to assist vulnerable and homeless individuals. Additional emergency shelters have been opened, and outreach teams are intensifying their efforts to provide support. The City of Paris has mobilized extra teams to ensure the smooth operation of shelters, and the 115 social emergency number remains active 24/7. Charitable organizations are also increasing their field operations, distributing hot meals and blankets.
Authorities strongly advise residents to limit non-essential travel, prioritize public transport where available, and stay informed about weather and traffic updates. Motorists should exercise extreme caution, ensure their vehicles are equipped with appropriate tires, and carry emergency cold-weather supplies. Pedestrians are also urged to be vigilant to avoid slips and falls on icy surfaces.
The situation is expected to remain challenging until Tuesday morning, with a gradual return to normal conditions anticipated during the day.
Source: sortiraparis.com, meteofrance.com, vigilance.meteofrance.fr, meteo.franceinfo.fr
