Paris, France – Just two days after the initial snowfall, Météo France has issued an orange alert for snow and ice across the entire Île-de-France region, including Paris, effective from 6 AM on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Residents are advised to prepare for significant disruptions, particularly concerning transport.
Snowfall Expected to Reach 3 to 7 Centimeters
While Tuesday, January 6, 2026, saw dry and sunny weather, the situation is set to change overnight. The first flakes are anticipated in the early morning, with the snow disturbance expected to move across the region from the northwest, progressively reaching the east, including Seine-et-Marne, by mid-morning. Météo France forecasts immediate ground accumulation of snow, with intensities ranging from 1 to 3 centimeters per hour, leading to total accumulations of 3 to 7 centimeters.
Previous Snowfall Caused Major Disruptions
This new episode raises concerns about a repeat of the chaos experienced on Monday, January 5, 2026. That day, several Transilien, bus, and RER lines faced delays, and road traffic jams reached a historic record, exceeding 1,000 kilometers. The Paris Police Prefecture had implemented measures limiting speed and the circulation of certain vehicles. Météo France anticipates that the current disturbance will be significant enough to impact road traffic once again.
Minister of Transport Urges Caution
Philippe Tabarot, the Minister of Transport, has called on motorists in the Île-de-France region to postpone their journeys if possible. He reminded the public that the first snowfall of the year tragically resulted in six fatalities, including one in Val-de-Marne. [paris.fr](https://www.paris.fr/pages/activation-du-plan-neige-verglas-en-ile-de-france-en-niveau-2-5511) advises residents to prioritize public transport, exercise caution as pedestrians and cyclists due to fall risks, and reduce speed and maintain safe distances if driving. They also recommend carrying essential supplies like warm clothing, food, water, a phone charger, and a flashlight in case of prolonged delays.
Safety Guidelines and Public Information
In anticipation of the adverse weather, authorities have provided guidelines for public safety. [vigilance.meteofrance.fr](https://vigilance.meteofrance.fr/fr/paris) outlines specific advice for orange alerts for snow and ice, including limiting travel, equipping vehicles with special gear, carrying provisions, and installing generators outdoors if used. Residents are also responsible for clearing snow and applying salt or sand on sidewalks in front of their properties. Information on road conditions can be found on [bison-fute.gouv.fr](http://www.bison-fute.gouv.fr/) and [sytadin.fr](http://www.sytadin.fr/), while weather updates are available on [meteofrance.com](http://www.meteofrance.com/accueil). The Prefect of Police also provides information via their website and social media channels.
Continued Monitoring and Preparedness
The situation remains under close observation by Météo France and local authorities. The public is urged to stay informed through official channels and to exercise extreme caution when venturing outside. The city’s services have already taken preventative measures, such as salting all sidewalks on bridges and footbridges in Paris, and some cemeteries and gardens have been temporarily closed. [meteofrance.com](https://meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-france/ile-de-france/3) indicates that a cold and wintry New Year’s week is expected, with further snowfalls predicted for Wednesday. [meteofrance.com](https://meteofrance.com/meteo-monde/paris/6942553) also provides a detailed forecast for Paris, highlighting the continued wintry conditions.
Source: actu.fr, Météo France, Paris City Hall
