Date of Publication: January 5, 2026
Last Updated: January 6, 2026
Applies to: Residents and commuters in Paris and Île-de-France
A new winter weather episode is affecting Paris and the entire Île-de-France region this Monday, January 5th. All municipalities in the region are currently under a yellow alert for snow and ice, with snowfall intensifying since the beginning of the month. The intense cold persists, necessitating increased precautions for travel and daily life.
Major Snowfall in the Île-de-France Region
For several days, the Île-de-France region has been experiencing severe winter conditions. The first snowfalls were observed on January 2nd and 3rd, marking the beginning of an intensifying episode starting this Monday, January 5th. The yellow alert, indicating a notable weather risk without immediate danger, remains in effect across the entire Île-de-France.
The phenomenon began with precipitation arriving overnight in Brittany and Normandy. By morning, the snow front reached northern France, progressively affecting Hauts-de-France and the Paris region, then extending towards Centre-Val de Loire, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine during the afternoon.
In Paris, temperatures are expected to remain around 0°C. Overnight lows previously reached -8.9°C in Auffargis (Yvelines) and -8.2°C in Saclas (Essonne). Predicted minimums include -3°C in Paris, -6°C in Meaux (Seine-et-Marne), and -6°C in Milly-la-Forêt (Essonne), with -5°C in the outer suburbs. The persistent cold increases the need for caution.
Significant Snowfall, Especially East of Île-de-France
Most departments in Île-de-France will see a thin layer of 1 to 3 cm of snow, but up to 7 cm is expected in Seine-et-Marne. This snow cover will quickly whiten urban areas and the countryside, with a heightened impact on traffic and infrastructure.
The continued low temperatures increase the likelihood of snow remaining on the ground. In Paris, the thermometer is expected to hover around 0°C, reinforcing the need for vigilance against ice and persistent cold.
Anticipated Consequences for Roads and Increased Vigilance
All Île-de-France departments will see their landscape transformed, with the layer of snow making roads more slippery, especially during morning and late afternoon rush hours. The yellow alert, active in Paris and surrounding departments, requires increased caution when traveling, with a risk of disruption to public transport and road traffic.
The situation could become more complex during the night of Monday, January 5th, to Tuesday, January 6th, with the anticipated formation of freezing fog. These phenomena, resulting from high humidity and negative temperatures, can deposit a thin layer of ice on roads and sidewalks, primarily in eastern Île-de-France: Seine-Saint-Denis, Essonne, and Seine-et-Marne.
Practical Advice and Key Takeaways
- Postpone Travel: If possible, postpone trips, especially early in the morning or late at night.
- Adjust Driving: Reduce speed, increase safe following distances, and ensure tires are suitable for winter conditions.
- Allow Extra Time: Expect longer travel times as traffic may be disrupted due to snow accumulation and ice.
- Stay Informed: Pay attention to weather alerts and follow recommendations from local authorities.
- Protect Against Cold: Limit outdoor activities and check on vulnerable individuals (elderly, young children).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is a yellow alert maintained in Île-de-France for snow and ice?
The yellow alert is maintained across the entire Île-de-France because a snow episode is affecting the whole territory on January 5th, with an increased risk of ice. Very low minimum temperatures favor snow remaining on the ground, making circulation dangerous and justifying increased vigilance for travel and outdoor activities.
How will the snow evolve in Paris and neighboring departments on January 5th?
Snowfall will first affect Brittany and Normandy overnight, reach Paris and Île-de-France in the morning, then move towards the north and east of France. In Île-de-France, between 1 and 3 cm of snow are generally expected, but up to 7 cm could fall locally, especially in Seine-et-Marne.
What are the main recommendations during this snow episode in Paris and Île-de-France?
It is advisable to postpone travel if possible, adjust driving with reduced speed and increased safe following distances, and allow more time for any journey. It is also recommended to consult weather alerts and follow local authority recommendations, while also protecting against the cold, especially for vulnerable people.
What problems are snow and ice likely to cause on Île-de-France roads?
A layer of snow will make roads particularly slippery, especially during morning and late afternoon rush hours. The presence of freezing fog on the night of January 5th to 6th can exacerbate these difficulties by depositing ice on the roadways, especially in eastern Île-de-France, thereby increasing the risk of accidents and transport disruptions.
What temperatures are forecast during this winter episode in Île-de-France?
Temperatures will remain very low during the episode: in Paris, the thermometer will be around 0°C, while in some municipalities in the region, minimum values will range from -3°C to -8.9°C. These cold temperatures favor snow remaining on the ground, making vigilance necessary due to the risk of ice and persistent cold.
Source: [actus.meteocity.com](https://actus.meteocity.com/actualites-meteo/neige-attendue-a-paris-et-en-ile-de-france-les-previsions-detaillees-et-les-zones-concernees-3720), [actu.fr](https://actu.fr/ile-de-france/paris_75056/alerte-meteo-paris-et-l-ile-de-france-places-en-vigilance-orange-neige-verglas-avant-un-changement-radical_62074827.html), [meteofrance.com](https://meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-france/ile-de-france/3)
