Spain’s Christmas is marked by snow, frost and freezing temperatures

The weather decided to have a different plan. According to AEMETSpain is about feel the full force a new mass polar air. It will bring cold temperatures, widespread rainfall and significant snowfall in large parts of Spain.

As Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve approach, instability is still the main word. A low-pressure system is pulling cold air from the north and causing several weather fronts to sweep across Spain. It’s going to be a wintry and unsettled festive season, with some areas experiencing disruption.

As cold air settles in, temperatures drop dramatically

The biggest change will take place overnight. The minimum temperatures are dropping across the Peninsula. Only parts of the west remain unchanged. By the end of the afternoon, freezing air will settle in the northern and inland regions.

Spain is not a stranger to freezing temperatures, but this cold snap will return sub-zero temperature to many provincial capitals. Segovia is expected to be the coldest, with lows of -3°C, while Teruel, Soria and Burgos could all drop to -2°C during the coldest hours.

In Madrid, temperatures are forecast to hover around 2°C, while coastal cities such as Barcelona and Cádiz should remain milder, staying above 10°C. The contrast between the coasts and interior will still be stark.

AEMET also warns of widespread freezing, notably in mountainous areas of the southeast and northern Spain. On higher ground, frost may be localized or moderate, increasing the likelihood of icy conditions and dangerous driving.

There is little relief from the heat during the day. While places like Girona and Almería may reach 17°C, many inland capitals – including Lugo, Palencia, Ávila, León, Cuenca, Segovia and Soria -are unlikely to climb above 5°C at any point during the day.

Snowfall becomes a major concern

Snow is expected to dominate the weather in the days before Christmas. AEMET Snow is expected to fall heavily in the mountains of the northern half of Peninsula and in parts of southeast. It may also snow in low-lying regions nearby.

The snow level is expected to drop to 700 metres. This brings winter conditions into areas that aren’t used to them. Snowfall accumulations up to 10 cm are possible in parts of Zamora, and Ourense.

Other areas will see rain. The Galician coast, the Pyrenees, the Alborán Sea area and much of southern Atlantic Spain are expected to see the heaviest showers. Rainfall could be intense in southern Andalusia while storms are possible in the central part of Spain.

AEMET warns Menorca, Girona and the surrounding areas that heavy rains could occur, with as much as 60mm of rainfall falling in just an hour. This can increase local flooding.

The majority of the nation is under warning

Unsurprisingly, a good part of Spain is currently under weather alerts. AEMET is currently issuing alerts for 15 autonomous communities. Most alerts are on yellow, however Galicia is now orange due to the dangerous winds along the coast.

Eight of the alerts are snow-related, and many will remain active throughout the day. Authorities are warning people to be extra cautious, especially in mountainous areas and coastal areas.

What conditions will be present on Christmas Eve?

There is cautious optimism. AEMET says that the beginning of the week will bring less rain, mainly affecting the Atlantic-facing areas and western Spain. The snow will continue to fall in the mountainous areas and the cold air will persist over most of Spain.

The minimum temperatures in the Balearic Islands and eastern Spain are likely to continue dropping, while the daytime temperatures in the West may slightly recover.

Forecasts for Christmas Eve still vary by location. In northern and north-eastern Spain, there will be cloudy skies or persistent rain along the Cantabrian Coast. The south-west of Spain and the southern Mediterranean should have partly cloudy or clear skies.

Showers are possible in the Balearic Islands. There is also the chance of isolated heavy rains and storms.

This Christmas, it will be cold, with snow, and a generally unsettling weather pattern.