Following several recent snowfalls, another snowstorm is forecasted for Wednesday, January 7, 2026 in Île-de-France and much of the country. Météo-France has issued an orange snow and ice warning for 38 departments, signaling challenging road conditions ahead. The Paris region is among the areas most affected by these snowfalls that are expected to significantly disrupt traffic throughout the day.
Weather forecasts predict snowfall amounts between 3 and 7 centimeters across Île-de-France, with peak snowfall rates reaching two to three centimeters per hour during the heaviest periods. In the Northeast, particularly in the Ardennes region, snow accumulations could even reach up to 15 centimeters. Freezing rain is also expected in the West, further complicating conditions across the entire affected area.
Confronted with severe weather conditions, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot has implemented significant restrictions. The maximum speed limit will be reduced to 70 km/h across all roads in Île-de-France for light vehicles. This cautious measure is essential, given how quickly snow can turn roads into icy surfaces. The RN118, which often closes during snowfalls, will remain open but will be closely monitored by authorities.
Heavy trucks will be restricted from driving in western France and the Paris region this Wednesday. The measure aims to ease traffic flow and prevent dangerous situations, such as trucks getting stuck across lanes and causing gridlock — a common issue during snowfalls. Many remember the long queues of stranded vehicles on the A86 and ring road during past winter storms.
The Minister of Transport has been explicit on this point: it is highly recommended to avoid all travel by road in the Île-de-France region this Wednesday. Those who can work remotely are strongly encouraged to do so, with the employer’s approval, of course. This advice aims to ease the usual congestion on key routes during rush hour, from the périphérique ring road to the A1, A4, and A6 highways.
However, not everyone can work remotely. Those on the front lines, holding essential and irreplaceable positions, will need to head to their workplaces as usual. For them, caution will be key: plan your route in advance, allow extra time for travel, and adjust your driving to the winter conditions. Public transportation in Île-de-France, already tested during previous snowfalls, is also likely to experience disruptions.
Bad news for those hoping for a quick respite: new weather disruptions are forecast to sweep across the country on Thursday, bringing the possibility of additional snowfall. While Île-de-France is expected to be less affected, the Alpine valleys and the Massif Central could see significant snowfalls. Minister Tabarot also emphasized that this storm will be “more severe” than previous ones and will “affect a larger portion of the country.”
In short, the start of 2026 confirms that Paris winters still have some surprises in store for us. With snow transforming the city into a picturesque winter wonderland and traffic chaos accompanying it, we recommend staying cozy at home this Wednesday if possible. If you do need to go out, remember: maximum 70 km/h, double the usual safety distance, and gentle handling of your controls. The Île-de-France prefecture's services and Météo-France will provide regular updates throughout the day. You can also check real-time traffic conditions on Sytadin to plan your trips around the region accordingly.
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