On Thursday, March 13, 2025, residents of Côte-d'Or were greeted with the unexpected sight of heavy snowfall blanketing the region. Starting early in the morning, around 5 AM, snow started falling across various areas, leaving many surprised by the abrupt shift from spring-like conditions to winter weather. Motorists and residents shared pictures of the snow on social media, capturing the beauty and chaos it brought.
Reports indicated significant accumulation, with places like Semur-en-Auxois measuring nearly 10 cm on the ground and Bligny-le-Sec reaching up to 15 cm. Such levels of snow were reminiscent of winter, which the region hadn't experienced for some time. This sudden snowfall led to complications for drivers, especially as thick flakes continued to fall throughout the morning, making travel hazardous.
According to local meteorological updates, the yellow alert for "neige-verglas" (snow-ice) was issued across Nièvre and Côte-d’Or, which is expected to be lifted later today—at 12:00 PM for Nièvre and at 3:00 PM for Côte-d’Or. The alert served as a warning to drivers to be vigilant on the roads, particularly as conditions became challenging.
Traffic reports indicated complicated conditions, particularly notable in the northern and western parts of Côte-d’Or. Many roads required snow-clearing operations, and local authorities were engaged throughout the morning to manage the situation. By 11:30 AM, de-icing and salting efforts were still underway, especially on highways and bus routes. Roads such as the RD07, north of Dijon, were temporarily closed due to fallen trees, with additional reports of delays on the A6 highway between Auxerre and Beaune.
"I didn’t expect such weather at all," noted one surprised truck driver caught on the road, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of March weather. Many others found themselves trapped in long lines of stopped vehicles and had to wait as plows and salt trucks worked to open routes.
Despite the chaos, there were few reports of emergency incidents. Most communities seemed to embrace the wintry scene with optimism, as winter fans enjoyed the beautiful, snowy environment. Temperature readings hovered around 2 degrees Celsius, creating icy roads and conditions. Local authorities and the Centre d’interventions et de gestion du trafic (CIGT) were on high alert and actively monitoring the situation, helping stranded drivers and advising extreme caution.
On social media, residents captured the charm and beauty of the snow-covered landscapes as the snow transformed the natural scenery. The mystique of snowflakes blanketing the earth brought smiles amid the disruption, with many sharing photos of snow-blanketed streets. The snowfall was particularly thick around the towns of Saulieu, Venarey-les-Laumes, and Précy.
Nonetheless, the snowy episode is set to transition quickly. Forecasts predicting rain starting this afternoon suggest the snow will not last long, likely melting away by the evening once temperatures rise. Looking forward, meteorologists predict another Arctic blast of snow returning to the area on Saturday, March 15, but this too could change to rain as warmer air moves in.
Overall, the winter weather made for both picturesque conditions and significant travel challenges. The dual nature of this snowy surprise reflects why residents must remain alert and adapt to the unpredictable rhythms of their weather, particularly during transitional months like March.
This unexpected heavy snowfall acts as a reminder—the changing seasons can bring us beauty and challenges unpredictably. Côte-d'Or's picturesque landscapes may be transformed, but the spirit and resilience of its residents shine brighter still amid snowflakes swirling down.