Prepare for the cold: Arctic air will hit Spain with temperatures below zero

Spain will soon be replaced by a cold Arctic blast. The AEMET has warned that a mass polar air will be moving into Spain from the North, bringing freezing temperatures and widespread frost to mountain regions.

There is a brutal cold snap on its way

After days of unsettling weather caused by Storm Claudia in Spain, the country is now bracing itself for a more dramatic change. The Atlantic storm system has battered parts of the southwest, with heavy rain, thick clouds and powerful winds hitting areas like Cádiz and the Strait of Gibraltar. Once the storm has passed, a cold, dry Arctic air mass will descend over the Iberian Peninsula and send temperatures plummeting.

According to AEMETThis dramatic change will start midweek. In the next few days, a very cold air mass will arrive from high latitudes. The temperatures will gradually drop, with frosts beginning on Tuesday and intensifying over the next few days,” warned the agency on X (formerly Twitter).

Meteorologists call it the “true arrival of winter” when the cold front hits the country on Thursday, November 20. Temperatures at altitudes of around 1,500 metres could fall below 0ºC across much of northern, central and eastern Spain – with some models predicting readings as low as –4ºC in parts of the northeast and the northern plateau.

The cities that will experience sub-zero night temperatures

The cold will be felt across the country, not just in the mountains. Across the country, maximum daytime temperatures are expected to hover between 8ºC and 11ºC, while some inland cities — such as Burgos, Ávila or Soria – might not even reach 5ºC. It’s winter mode.

The nighttime temperatures will be even lower. Many regions will wake up with iced windscreens, frozen fields and icy roads. Palencia, Burgos, Soria, Guadalajara, Cuenca and Teruel could all see lows of –5ºC or below, while Madrid is also expected to dip below freezing over the weekend.

Even colder temperatures are expected in the Cantabrian and Pyrenean mountains. AEMET has warned of significant snowfall. Forecasts predict 20 to 40 cm at higher altitudes. The freezing air could cause snow to fall on other ranges, such as the Iberian System.

Spain’s weather whiplash: from storm to snow

Meteorologists believe the sudden change from rain to frost this winter is part of an overall weather pattern that has affected Europe. The polar air mass that will follow Storm Claudia as it leaves Spain will replace the wet and windy weather with crisp, cold conditions.

The sudden and steep drop in temperature will catch many by surprise. Drivers should check their vehicles and keep warm clothes in the car. They should also be aware of ice on mountain and rural roads.

If your scarves and coats are still buried at the back of your wardrobe, it might be time to bring them out – Spain will soon be hit by the full force Arctic air and the chill should last longer this time.