Spain’s weather delivers more surprises as new waves of cold, persistent rain, gale-force winds, and snowfall approach the country. Atlantic cyclones show no rush to leave the Iberian Peninsula, so the coming days promise sharp weather contrasts. Residents of the western regions are already preparing for heavy precipitation, while the north braces again for powerful storm winds. Even the Mediterranean coast shouldn’t expect stable warmthβtemperatures remain higher here, but still fall short of what is typical for this time of year.
Rain and Wind
On Tuesday, a new front arriving from the Atlantic will bring rain to Spain’s northern, western, and central areas. Galicia, the western and southern parts of Castilla y LeΓ³n, and the north of Extremadura will be hit especially hard. In these regions, rainfall will be almost continuous, and wind gusts could reach dangerous speeds. Meanwhile, along the Mediterranean coast and in AndalucΓa, almost no precipitation is expected, but it will remain cool: daytime highs will rarely exceed 15 degrees, and nighttime temperatures will drop to around 10.
In the northern and western parts of the country, temperatures will hover around 10 degrees, and freezes are possible in the mountains. Snow is expected above 1,400 meters, which will be especially noticeable for residents in highland areas. Northern coastal regions of Spain will see rough seas, so fishermen should take extra caution.
A brief truce in the weather
Wednesday is expected to be relatively calm: fronts will temporarily recede, bringing partly cloudy skies to most of the country. In the western regions, light rain is possible in the morning, but by midday the skies will clear. Fog will settle over inland areas of Spain, especially in the valleys of major rivers, where visibility may drop sharply. Daytime temperatures in Meseta Norte will not exceed 10 degrees, while in the rest of the country highs will reach up to 15. Along the Mediterranean coast and on the Islas Baleares, the thermometer will climb to 18 and above, though nights will remain cool.
However, it’s too soon to relax: by Thursday, another Atlantic front will bring renewed rain and cooler temperatures. This time, Galicia will see the heaviest rainfall, and snow levels will drop to between 1,000 and 1,400 meters. Winds will strengthen in the northern regions, and temperatures will fall noticeably. Overnight frosts are expected in central and northern parts of the country, with deep freezes in the mountains.
Winter weather to dominate the weekend
By Friday and through the weekend, the weather will remain unsettled. Successive fronts will sweep across Spain, bringing rain, snow, and dropping temperatures. In mountainous and highland areas, snowfalls will become commonplace, and unexpected snow may surprise some low-lying northern and eastern regions. Temperatures will continue to fall, and by the end of the week, central and northern parts of the country can expect severe nighttime frosts. The cold will be especially intense in the mountains, while in lowlands, frost will linger.
Spainβs inland regions will experience the full force of winter: frost, snow, and biting winds will become a part of daily life for residents. Even along the coast, temperatures wonβt rise above 10β12 degrees, and brief snowfalls are possible in some areas. The atmosphere is turning truly wintry, far from what Spaniards hoped for at the start of the year.
Canary Islands
While mainland Spain battles the cold and precipitation, the Canary Islands (Islas Canarias) are also facing unsettled weather. Starting Tuesday, the archipelago will be hit by rain, especially heavy in the north of the mountainous islands, as well as on Lanzarote (Lanzarote) and Fuerteventura (Fuerteventura). Localized thunderstorms and downpours may cause areas of flooding. On Wednesday, rain will continueβless intense, mostly affecting the northern areas. By Thursday, showers will subside, and sunshine is expected on the southern coasts.
Temperatures in the Canary Islands will remain comfortable: 15β17Β°C at night and up to 22Β°C during the day. However, humidity and changeable weather could disrupt plans for those hoping for beach holidays. For locals, though, such weather swings are nothing new, and they’ve long learned how to adapt to nature’s whims.
Winter in the Air
Spain is facing another wave of winter weather, and it seems the elements are not ready to let up. Atlantic cyclones continue to batter the country, bringing rain, wind, and snow. In the coming days, conditions are expected to change rapidly, so residents across different regions should be prepared for anything. This winter is clearly making its presence felt, and itβs too soon to relax.
