Jorge Rey warns of Spain’s first major winter storm:

Although Christmas is still some days away, winter could arrive earlier than expected. After weeks of relatively calm, forecasts point to a dramatic shift in the weather throughout Spain. This includes falling temperatures, widespread showers, and the increasing possibility of snowfall.

AEMET, Spain’s weather agency, has warned of a likely shift to winter in the days preceding Christmas Eve. Jorge Rey has also added his voice to the debate, with his weather predictions based upon the traditional cabañuelas In recent years, method has gained a large following. His latest message was clear: a powerful winter spell is on its way.

Although no one can be certain yet, both the official and independent forecasts are in agreement: Spain will soon experience a taste of winter.

Why Jorge Rey’s predictions are getting so much attention

Jorge Rey is not a meteorologist, but many Spaniards know his name. The 18-year old from Burgos, Spain rose to prominence when he correctly predicted Storm Filomena 2021. This was long before the storm paralysed most of the country.

Use cabañuelasRey’s online audience has grown since he began using, an ancient system for observing atmospheric patterns. He shares his weather predictions through social media videos, which often combine traditional knowledge and modern data.

Although his methods are different from those of conventional forecasting, the growing popularity of his predictions means that they are closely followed, particularly when they echo the warnings issued by AEMET.

The sudden onset of winter right before Christmas

According to Rubén del Campo, spokesperson for AEMET, from Monday December 22 onwards Spain is likely to experience a much more winter-like pattern. Even though there’s still uncertainty over the exact development, the agency is predicting more snow in the mountain ranges and the northern plateau.

The outlook of Jorge Rey is even more bleak. In a recent videoHe warned that a large air mass polar could cause widespread frost or snowfall in Spain during the days before Christmas Eve. Rey claims that after the stability brought by the anticyclone in December, the weather is about change.

He predicts a sharp drop in temperatures, with daytime highs in some inland areas potentially struggling to rise above -1°C. According to his analysis this would be due to an air mass that is polar and maritime, which sweeps across the peninsula. It brings not only cold, but also moisture, needed for snow.

Rey highlights several cities where snow could make an appearance, including Lugo, Ourense, León, Burgos, Valladolid, Salamanca, Ávila, Segovia, Soria, Guadalajara, Toledo, Granada and Jaén. Snowfall may settle in these areas, he claims, at least for a short time.

Rain at first, then snow across most of the country

Rain is predicted to fall across Spain before the cold takes full hold. Rey says showers will begin to hit Mediterranean areas from midweek and then a new Atlantic front will arrive on Thursday.

This system is expected to hit Galicia first, before moving eastwards into Castilla y León, Navarra and Catalonia by Friday. Conditions could worsen as the weekend draws near, with rain expected to affect most of the peninsula on Sunday.

Snow will start to fall between 20 and 21 Dec. Rey says that the Cantabrian Mountains, and the Iberian System are likely to be the first places to experience snowfall. This is especially true overnight and into Sunday.

The northern half of Spain is expected to be most affected, with cities such as Burgos, León, Soria, Lugo and Ourense among those where snow accumulation is considered highly likely. Rey admits that the weather models are still being adjusted and that exact locations may change as forecasts refine.

The temperature dropping is more predictable. Rey warns that by Sunday, maximum temperatures in many parts of Spain may barely reach 3°C, with the cold becoming increasingly noticeable both outdoors and inside homes.

What this means for travel and daily living

This winter storm could cause travel plans to be complicated, especially with Christmas just around the bend. Winter weather can cause road and rail travel to be difficult in some areas.

AEMET is yet to issue widespread severe weather alerts. However, authorities urge people to remain informed as forecasts develop. The message for residents and expats is the same: winter could arrive earlier this year than expected.

It remains to be determined whether Spain will have a white Christmas, or if it’s just a reminder that winter has arrived. The festive season may begin under colder skies. Coats, scarves and caution will be back on the menu.