The most significant cold and snow are forecast in northern and inland mountainous areas. Photo credit: Parkerspics/shuuterstock
Spain is set to experience a renewed spell of winter weather from the evening of December 25 through December 26, with cold temperatures, snowfall in northern and mountainous areas, and hazardous maritime conditions prompting alerts in several provinces, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). The adverse conditions follow a cold front moving south across the Iberian Peninsula, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and increased instability across multiple regions.
Regions Affected by Alerts
Snow and Freezing Temperatures in Northern Provinces
Warnings are concentrated in northern, north-eastern and coastal areas, with local authorities advising residents and travellers to remain alert. The combination of snow, frost, strong winds and rough seas is expected to affect travel and outdoor activity during the latter part of the festive period.
The most significant cold and snow are forecast in northern and inland mountainous areas, where frost and snowfall will intensify overnight into Boxing Day. Provinces in Castilla y León, Aragón, Navarra, La Rioja and Cataluña are among those under alerts, particularly in elevated areas and mountain passes. Snow levels are expected to reach relatively low altitudes during the night, raising the risk of icy roads and difficult driving conditions. Minimum temperatures in these regions will fall below seasonal averages, with widespread overnight frost in rural and elevated zones. Authorities have warned motorists to take precautions, particularly in areas where secondary roads intersect with steep or exposed terrain.
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Coastal and North-Eastern Regions
Wind and Chilly Conditions Along Exposed Areas
As the cold air moves eastwards, northern and north-eastern regions will also experience strong winds and a wind chill effect, even where snowfall is limited. Valleys and plateaus may see sharp night-time temperature drops, while daytime temperatures remain low. The combination of cold and wind is expected to create locally challenging conditions, although these are not anticipated to be extreme nationwide.
Authorities have emphasised that the key risks during this 48-hour period are the cumulative effects of frost, snow and wind, particularly for travel and outdoor activity.
Eastern Mediterranean Coast
Rough Seas and Strong Winds in the Valencian Community
Along the Mediterranean coast, warnings focus on rough seas and strong winds. In the Valencian Community, alerts are concentrated mainly on coastal areas, particularly in Castellón, where strong northerly winds are forecast from Christmas night into December 26. In Valencia province, adverse conditions are expected to be mostly coastal, with no widespread snow inland, and temperatures close to seasonal averages.
Andalucía Coastal Alerts
In Andalucía, alerts are focused on coastal and exposed zones, with heavy rain, strong winds and heavy seas forecast along both the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, particularly near Almería, Cádiz and the Strait of Gibraltar. Inland parts of Andalucía are expected to experience cooler temperatures but are likely to avoid the most severe cold affecting northern and mountainous regions.
Disruption and Travel Considerations
Travel and Maritime Risks
The timing of these conditions, coinciding with one of the busiest travel periods, raises the risk of disruption. Snow and ice may affect mountain and inland roads, while rough seas could lead to delays or cancellations on ferry routes, particularly those connecting the mainland with the Balearic Islands. Local authorities in affected provinces have activated winter response measures, including road monitoring, salt spreading and public safety advisories.
Key Points to Note
- Snow and frost mainly affect northern and mountainous provinces
- Eastern and southern regions face wind and maritime alerts
- Valencia and Andalucía are impacted primarily along the coast
- Adverse conditions are expected to persist into December 26
Outlook After Boxing Day
Conditions Expected to Stabilise
Forecasts indicate that the weather system will gradually ease during December 26, with a return to more stable conditions as the cold air mass moves eastwards. Residual cold and unsettled seas may persist in some areas into the following day. Authorities continue to advise the public to follow official forecasts and take necessary precautions, particularly when travelling by road or sea.