Spain’s surprise winter return as polar air freezing May temperatures

The jackets of people in Spain, who switched from winter clothes to spring ones and began planning their beach weekends, may be needed again. Forecasters warn that a cold system carrying polar-air will cause temperatures to plummet across most of Spain over the next couple of days. Some areas are expected to feel unusually cool for May.

This weekend, temperatures may only reach 10 to 15 degrees in parts of Spain. Meteorologists have predicted that temperatures may fall 8-10 degrees below the normal range for this time. This could create conditions more akin to late March or early May.

Spain is experiencing rain, cold weather and even snowfall in the mountains

In some areas of the nation, you can already see this change.

Although some areas enjoyed a brief calmer weather during the middle of last week, instability is building as a brand new Atlantic system approaches Peninsula. Forecasts by AEMET You can also find out more about the following: MeteoredIn the coming days showers will be more widespread, especially in northern and inland parts of the country.

Rain is likely in Castilla y León, Galicia, the Cantabrian coast, parts of the Valencian Community and areas of the southeast, while the Balearic Islands could also see unsettled conditions.

Snow is forecast to return at higher altitudes in mountainous areas, including the Pyrenees range and the Cantabrian Range. Above 1,500-1,800 metres, snowfall is expected.

In some areas in the central and east, dust particles can mix with the rain.

This sudden change in weather is especially abrupt, as many parts of Spain already began to experience warmer spring conditions during recent weeks.

The coldest temperatures this weekend are expected

The largest drop in temperature is expected to occur during the weekend when the colder air of the north Atlantic pushes southward across the country.

Meteorologists claim that the system pulls maritime polar air close to Iceland and reinforces the colder weather conditions in much of the interior Spain.

The northern plateau and areas around the central mountains system are expected to be most affected. Even during the hottest afternoons, some places can have highs between 10 and 15°C.

In mountain zones, low cloud, wind and rain could make you feel even colder.

Even though temperatures may be cooler than normal for May in southern Spain and the Mediterranean coast, they are still expected to be milder.

Forecasters expect cities such as Seville and Murcia to remain milder than those in the north and center of the country. However, they still expect to see a cooling from recent days.

Why the weather is so odd for May

The timing is part of the reason why this forecast has attracted attention.

Early May in Spain, many Spaniards are already anticipating warmer afternoons and outdoor dining. The weather will also be getting closer to summer. In some areas of the inland, people are preparing to experience a weekend with surprisingly low temperatures.

This contrast is particularly noticeable after warmer temperatures earlier in the spring. Many people in many places had already put away their heavier clothing or made outdoor plans anticipating more stable weather.

Now the discussion has suddenly returned to rain, freezing mornings, heating and other issues.

Businesses that depend on spring tourist traffic, particularly those in rural areas and terrace bars may be affected by the colder temperatures. Spring is one of the busiest seasons.

You may find that conditions in Spain are very different.

The forecast may be difficult to understand because of the differences in conditions depending on location.

Anyone spending the weekend in central or northern Spain may experience cold rain and grey skies, with temperatures that are closer to winter rather than spring. While the Mediterranean coast is experiencing a general drop, there are still brighter moments and milder afternoons.

Some travellers may be surprised by the difference, especially if they expect warm May weather in Spain.

The weather experts advise that people keep a close eye on the local forecasts, as conditions can quickly change from one place to another. Thunderstorms can also be expected in certain mountainous and inland regions as the unstable weather moves across the Peninsula.

The spring weather in Spain is still full of surprises

Even though it is rare, Spain can experience a cold snap in May. Spring is often a time of contrasts.

This drop is still notable because it’s expected to be widespread and it comes just as people are mentally shifting into summer mode.

Forecasts show that the colder pattern is expected to continue through the weekend and then gradually start stabilising.

Spain will have a few days before then that are more like the end winter than the beginning of the summer.