There’s something quite dizzying about the weather in the Alpes-Maritimes during spring. The geography of the department (the sea on one side, the alpine massif on the other, with just a few dozen kilometers in between) creates thermal contrasts that are unique in all of France. And this week perfectly illustrates this phenomenon: when a polar air mass moves down into the region, it doesn’t hold back.
According to Météo France's forecasts, a notable change is starting this Wednesday. The temperatures in Nice, which were flirting with springtime highs earlier this week, will drop by about 8 degrees by Friday, reaching a maximum of 18°C (with minimums around 9-10°C). Not too dramatic along the coast, but it's a different story in the mountain resorts.
-3°C in Isola 2000, the Bonette pass is closed
At an altitude of 1,400 meters and above, the rain-snow line this year is set lower than in recent seasons, which means that snowflakes will start falling from Wednesday in Isola 2000 and Auron. On Friday, May 15, temperatures will drop to -3°C in these resorts. While this isn’t an unusual phenomenon in the Alpes-Maritimes (snow fell in Isola 2000 on May 7 and 22 last year), the lower altitude threshold this year makes this episode a tad more significant. The Bonette pass, which came...Just reopened for the summer season, it was closed again in both directions starting Sunday, May 10, due to unfavorable weather conditions. If you were planning to take this legendary route, it's a good idea to check before you head out. But don't worry, it won't last long: it's spring in Nice, and the sun always comes back!