Northern areas of the Valencian Community (Comunitat Valenciana) began January with a true icy shock. An arctic front swept into the province of Castellón, bringing not only biting cold, but also the season’s first snowy surprises. In the town of Castellfort, temperatures plunged to minus 7.1°C, while Fredes and Vilafranca also recorded similarly extreme lows. The freeze didn’t spare Morella either, where the mercury dropped to -5.1°C. Although snow has not yet blanketed the ground, even a light dusting at these temperatures is enough to turn the roads into sheets of ice.
Drivers brave enough to head out in these conditions need to be extra cautious. Icy patches can appear without warning, and the risk of accidents rises by the hour. Meteorologists keep stressing one thing: right now, caution behind the wheel is paramount. This is particularly true for anyone traveling through the inland areas of Castellón, where the situation can change in an instant.
Severe freeze
The cold air mass continues to intensify, spreading across new territories. In Tinença de Benifassà, temperatures dropped to minus 7°C, with the real-feel plunging to minus 16. In such conditions, even a brief walk outside becomes a challenge. Snow is falling on municipalities in Alt Maestrat, such as la Serratella and Benafigos, starting from around 450 meters above sea level. By Monday morning, the snow line in Baix Maestrat had descended to 150 meters, while in the southern part of the region it remains above 1,000 meters for now.
Authorities are acting quickly: special measures have already been introduced in the Els Ports and Alt Maestrat areas in response to snowfall. This means municipal services and road crews are working in high-alert mode, while local residents receive regular updates about possible changes in weather conditions.
Rain and Snow
While northern Castellón is grappling with frost and snow, rain prevails in Valencia and Alicante. Overcast skies have brought showers to some areas, but for now the precipitation falls as rain—the snow line remains high here. However, forecasters warn that the situation may change by evening and overnight. As temperatures drop, snow could reach inland Valencia and northern Alicante. Residents in these areas should be especially cautious in the second half of the day and overnight, when the risk of snowfall increases.
In the coming nights, the cold snap will only intensify. Even with clear skies and light winds, Arctic air will keep the region on edge: frost is expected to reach coastal zones. For an area accustomed to mild winters, such weather swings are a real challenge.
Treacherous Roads
Road conditions across the region are becoming increasingly hazardous by the hour. On major routes through inland Valencia and northern Alicante—such as the A3, A7, A31, and A35—rain is currently falling, but snow is possible by evening. This means the roads could quickly turn into icy traps. Drivers are advised not to take unnecessary risks and, if possible, postpone trips, especially at night.
In Castellón, road conditions in the L’Alt Maestrat and Els Ports areas are already difficult. In certain sections, such as the N-232 in Morella, the CV-14 in Zorita, and the CV-12 and CV-15 in Ares del Maestrat, truck traffic is restricted, and overtaking is prohibited on some roads. Road crews are working nonstop, but the elements are setting their own rules.
Winter shows no mercy
The first frosts and snowfalls of the year have already disrupted daily life in northern Valencia. Residents and visitors are forced to adjust their plans, and road services are working around the clock. Forecasters warn that the situation could get even worse in the coming days: arctic air is not retreating, and snow and ice are only expected to intensify.
Moments like these highlight just how fragile familiar infrastructure can be in the face of nature. Still, the people of Castellón and neighboring provinces are no strangers to unpredictable weather. But this winter is determined to remind everyone who’s in charge.
