The Arctic front that has swept into Spain is already imposing its harsh conditions on residents of the northern regions. Early Wednesday morning, several provinces issued warnings for snowfall and a sharp drop in temperatures. The cold air mass has brought not just frost, but also the threat of transport chaos on key highways.
Residents of Lleida, León, Asturias, and Huesca were the first to feel winter’s impact. Meteorologists are forecasting up to 15 centimeters of snow in these provinces’ mountain areas within a day, with snow expected not only on the peaks but also in lowlands. The situation is especially difficult in the Cantabrian Mountains, where the snow cover could exceed the usual levels for this time of year.
Snow in cities and unexpected challenges for drivers
With the arrival of the cold front, northern skies turned overcast and precipitation quickly followed. Rain and snow have hit Galicia, Iberia, the upper Ebro, the Pyrenees, and the entire Cantabrian strip. By midday, the snow line had fallen from 1,500 to 800 meters and, by evening, was approaching the outskirts of cities.
The night from Thursday to Friday is expected to be particularly alarming. During this period, arctic air will firmly grip the north of the country, and snow could fall even at altitudes of 300–400 meters. In some areas of Cantabria and the upper reaches of the Ebro, brief but intense snowfalls are possible, capable of turning the streets into slippery traps within hours. In towns where snow is a rare visitor, residents may wake up to a landscape that’s completely unfamiliar.
Friday will bring new challenges
The weather ordeal won’t end there. On Friday, the cyclone will continue to rage, bringing fresh waves of snow to the mountain regions in the north. In some places, the snow cover could once again exceed 10–20 centimeters. Light snow is also expected in the Iberian and Central mountains, as well as in certain foothill areas of Catalonia.
Meanwhile, civil protection services have already issued a warning: over the coming days, temperatures will not rise above 10 degrees even during the day, and snow may fall at altitudes below 600 meters. Residents are advised to follow forecast updates closely and heed official recommendations. Special attention should be paid by drivers, as roads may become hazardous and traffic conditions difficult.
Moist northerly winds and unexpected snowfalls
The sharp change in weather is caused by a humid northern front, rich in cold and moisture, that moved over the Cantabrian Sea. This brought prolonged precipitation, especially on Wednesday and Thursday. In the mid-mountain areas of the Cantabrian Mountains and on the northern slopes of the Pyrenees, snow will begin to fall from elevations of 900–1200 meters, and by Thursday evening the snow line will drop below 600 meters.
The inland regions of the Basque Country, Navarra, and Castilla y León will also be hit by severe weather. In areas where snow is rare, residents may face unexpected challenges: slippery roads, transport disruptions, and even temporary power outages. Meteorologists emphasize that the episode will be brief but intense. The most difficult hours are expected overnight into Friday and in the morning, when weather conditions could seriously disrupt daily life for people in the north.
Authorities advise avoiding unnecessary risks, planning trips ahead of time, and getting ready for real winter—which, this year, has decided to arrive in Spain earlier than usual.
