(Lyon, January 5, 2026) — France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is under an extreme cold alert as temperatures plummet, prompting a regional response to protect vulnerable populations.
Météo France placed all departments within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region on yellow alert for extreme cold this Monday, January 5, 2026, as a cold snap continues to grip the area.
- All departments in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region are under a yellow “extreme cold” alert.
- The alert is in effect for the entire day, with temperatures expected to remain below freezing.
- Lyon recorded a temperature of -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit) Monday morning.
The entire Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region was placed on extreme cold yellow vigilance by Météo France on Monday, January 5, 2026, according to the agency.
Temperatures are expected to remain negative throughout the day across much of the region, with Lyon recording -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit) Monday morning, Météo France reported. The alert is valid for the entire day.
Why It Matters
The extreme cold alert signals a heightened risk for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, those experiencing homelessness, and people with pre-existing health conditions. Yellow alerts, while not the most severe level, indicate a potential for dangerous conditions and trigger preventative measures from local authorities. This alert underscores the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, a trend linked to broader climate change patterns, and the importance of preparedness for such conditions.
“Vigilance which will be valid all day while temperatures will remain negative from morning to evening over a large part of the region,” Météo France stated.
Local authorities are expected to implement measures to provide shelter and assistance to those in need during the cold snap. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect themselves from the cold, including dressing warmly, limiting outdoor exposure, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by Météo France and added independent analysis and context.
