On April 15, 2025, four departments in the Pyrenees region of southern France have been placed under a yellow alert for snow and ice by Météo-France, prompting warnings for residents and travelers alike. The departments affected include Ariège, Haute-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, and Hautes-Pyrénées, where significant snowfall and icy conditions are expected.
According to Météo-France, the weather will deteriorate throughout the day as a humid disturbance moves through the area. Snow is forecast to return at altitudes between 1,300 and 1,800 meters, with accumulations ranging from 10 to 20 centimeters. This could lead to hazardous driving conditions, particularly on roads that may quickly become slippery.
“Indeed, Tuesday will be a very rainy day (20 to 30 mm in the valleys) and snowy in the mountains. With the 0°C isotherm located at 1,600 meters, snow will invite itself quite low from 1,200/1,300 meters on the French side and 1,600 meters on the Pyrénées-Orientales and the border massifs,” noted Météo Pyrénées.
The yellow alert for the Hautes-Pyrénées is effective from 10 a.m. until midnight, while the Pyrénées-Atlantiques will also be under alert from 10 a.m. to midnight. The Haute-Garonne and Ariège departments will be under alert from 12 p.m. until midnight.
As the day progresses, moderate rains will affect the south of Aquitaine and the western part of Occitanie, with more scattered showers elsewhere in the southwestern region. The rainfall is expected to be significant, especially in the southeastern half, where totals could reach 15 to 30 mm, and locally exceed 50 mm in the Rhône valley.
Weather conditions are expected to remain unstable throughout the day. In Béarn and Soule, skies will be overcast in the morning with temperatures ranging from 9 to 13 °C. Afternoon showers are possible, and the evening may see these showers taper off. On the Basque Coast, the day will start with showers and windy conditions, with temperatures around 10 °C. By the afternoon, the sky will become cloudy, and maximum temperatures will reach 14 °C, with minimums of 9 °C.
Looking ahead to April 16, 2025, Béarn and Soule will experience very cloudy skies in the morning, with temperatures between 6 °C and 17 °C, and possible showers later in the day. The mountains will see covered skies with temperatures ranging from 2 °C to 10 °C, along with rain and snow expected at higher elevations in the afternoon. The Basque Coast will start the day with partially sunny skies, but showers are still a possibility, with maximum temperatures reaching 17 °C and minimums around 8 °C.
Weather experts advise caution for those traveling in the affected areas, especially as the precipitation is expected to calm down overnight, but the snow level may drop to as low as 1,000 meters between Ariège and Luchonnais.
The snow forecast is particularly concerning as it can lead to dangerous conditions on the roads. Snowfall can disrupt transportation, cause accidents, and lead to significant challenges for local residents and emergency services. The heavy, wet snow expected in the region can be particularly hazardous, as it tends to stick to surfaces, creating ice and increasing the risk of accidents.
Snow is classified into three types based on the amount of liquid water it contains: dry, wet, or slushy. Wet and slushy snows are the most dangerous, as they are heavy and can compact, sticking to roadways and causing hazardous conditions. Dry snow, often found in colder mountainous areas, is lighter and less problematic. However, even a few centimeters of sticky snow can severely disrupt traffic, particularly in urban areas that are not equipped to handle winter weather.
In addition to the snow, the weather system will bring strong winds, with gusts expected to reach 50 to 70 km/h in many areas, and locally up to 90 km/h near the coasts. This wind can further complicate travel and contribute to hazardous conditions.
As the weather evolves, local authorities are urging residents to stay informed through official channels and to prepare for possible disruptions. Whether it’s securing homes against the wind or planning for travel delays due to snow and ice, being proactive can help mitigate the impact of this significant weather event.
In summary, the yellow alert for snow and ice across the four Pyrenean departments highlights the need for caution as weather conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly. With heavy snowfall and strong winds on the way, residents and travelers are advised to stay alert and prepared for potentially hazardous conditions.
