Spain woke up on Monday under a white blanket as Storm Francis, roaring through at the start of January, brought snowfall to Madrid and several other cities across the country. Residents of the capital were caught off guard—the snow began overnight, and by morning, every district was covered in a fresh layer of snow. The unseasonably cold weather surprised even the most experienced meteorologists.
Madrid wasn’t the only city where winter made a dramatic entrance. In Ávila, temperatures dropped to minus six degrees and the streets were coated with ice. Drivers had to exercise extreme caution to avoid ending up in ditches. In Lugo and Zaragoza, conditions were much the same: snow blanketed roads, sidewalks, and rooftops, creating a true winter wonderland while also causing serious travel disruptions.
Bitter cold grips Spain
While some admired the snowy landscapes, others rushed to bundle up: a yellow weather alert was declared in Lleida due to the sharp drop in temperatures. Across northern and central regions, the mercury dipped below zero, threatening even the traditional January celebrations. During the popular cabalgata parades, residents in many cities had to wrap up in scarves and gloves just to keep warm on the streets.
In Teruel, snow fell without stopping, and despite the inconveniences, passersby couldn’t help but smile as they watched the city transform before their eyes. In Toledo, Storm Francis was also impossible to ignore: a light blanket of snow covered the ancient streets, giving them a special charm. But beneath the beauty lay challenges—city services worked around the clock to clear roads and sidewalks.
Roads and Transport
The situation was especially difficult on the roads of Ávila. Icy patches and snow made driving dangerous, with some sections temporarily closed. Motorists caught on the road complained about slippery stretches and poor visibility. Authorities urged residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
In Madrid, even with snowplows operating, traffic slowed on several streets. Pedestrians navigated sidewalks cautiously, while children joyfully built snowmen in courtyards. Still, there were numerous falls as icy spots caused many minor injuries.
Weather Forecast for the Coming Days
Meteorologists warn that Storm Francis is not letting up. More snowfall and rain are expected in the coming days, especially across the northern and central regions. Temperatures will remain low, and nighttime frosts are possible even in areas where winters are usually mild.
People in Spain are already speculating on social media about when the familiar warmth will return. But for now, winter is setting its own rules, and even the most resilient Spaniards must admit: January 2026 will not be forgotten anytime soon. Snow, frost, and ice are the main characters of these days.
