Britons residing in Spain are bracing for harsh wintry conditions this week as an uncommon Arctic blast sweeps through the region, bringing the potential for up to 25cm of snow in northern areas.
Numerous weather warnings have been issued across various regions, including popular tourist spots, with forecasters highlighting a “significant risk” of disruptions for both travelers and locals.
The heaviest snowfall is anticipated in regions near Santander, Bilbao, and the Cantabrian Mountains, where up to 25cm (10 inches) of snow could accumulate within a day. Higher elevations, starting from around 900 meters, are already witnessing snow accumulation, with the freezing level expected to drop to 700 meters, particularly in the northern areas.
Areas inland from Santander are on alert for approximately 20cm of snow, while regions in and around Navarre and northern La Rioja could see up to 10cm of snow. Even typically milder areas near San Sebastián are forecasted to receive around 5cm of snow as cold air spreads across the northern coast.
The wintry conditions are not limited to the north, with reports of snowfall reaching areas further south, including the Burgos Plateau, the La Rioja wine region, inland Zaragoza province, and elevated sections of the Castellón region north of Valencia.
In addition to the snow risk, meteorologists have issued warnings for rain, wind, and storms in Mallorca, where strong gusts and heavy showers are expected throughout the day. Most weather alerts are in effect until 6pm.
According to the Met Office, major Spanish cities are experiencing cold temperatures, with Zaragoza and Madrid barely reaching 5C today, while Bilbao is at 7C with rain. Coastal cities like Valencia, Seville, and Málaga are slightly warmer at around 10–11C with sunny intervals, whereas Barcelona will have a cool 8C.
Spain attracts approximately 18 million British visitors annually, making it the top holiday destination for UK citizens. Recently, British travelers were cautioned about severe weather conditions and potential travel disruptions in Murcia, southeastern Spain, and Valencia on the eastern Mediterranean coast.
These warnings come after the UK experienced frigid temperatures, plummeting to as low as minus 11C overnight. The Met Office reported the coldest temperature at Loch Glascarnoch in the Scottish Highlands, with much of the country dipping below minus 7C.
While temperatures were a bit milder in England and Wales, with lows of minus 6C in Trawsgoed, Wales, and minus 4C in Rostherne, Cheshire, forecaster Simon Partridge attributed the chill to a ridge of high pressure moving across the UK, with lighter winds compared to previous nights.