Spain Braces for Arctic Blast: Snow, Freezing Temperatures, and Torrential Rain

As the holiday season approaches, Spain is gearing up for a dramatic shift in weather, with an Arctic blast set to bring snow, freezing temperatures, and torrential rain across various regions.

Arctic Weather System Hits Spain

A massive Arctic weather system, breaking loose from the polar jet stream, is expected to drench coastal regions, blanket mountains in snow, and unleash thunderstorms across the nation. This system has already started making its presence felt, with snowfall beginning in the afternoon of December 12 and continuing into the early morning of December 13, particularly in mountainous areas.

Affected Regions

The Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued yellow alerts for seven regions, including Aragón, Asturias, Cantabria, and La Rioja. These areas are bracing for frost, sleet, and icy roads, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -6°C in some regions. The Catalan Pyrenees are expected to see snow at altitudes as low as 1,000 meters, making travel hazardous[1][5].

Coastal and Inland Impacts

The Mediterranean coast, Balearic Islands, and parts of southern Spain are on high alert for torrential storms. Areas such as Barcelona’s coastline are forecast to receive up to 40 mm of rain per hour between 9 PM on December 12 and 4 AM on December 13, with total rainfall potentially reaching 80 mm over a 12-hour period. This could lead to significant flooding, although it is expected to be less severe than the devastating floods seen in October, which resulted in 230 deaths and widespread destruction[1].

Inland areas around Barcelona and Girona are also at risk, with 20 mm per hour of rain expected throughout the day. Regions like Girona’s Ampurdán and Tarragona’s northern coastline will face similar heavy rainfall, with localized bursts reaching up to 40 mm per hour[1].

Southern Spain and the Costa del Sol

While the northern and eastern parts of Spain are experiencing harsh winter conditions, the southern regions are seeing a different scenario. The Costa del Sol, for instance, is expected to experience a warm "winter terral" wind on December 19, with temperatures potentially reaching 24°C in Vélez-Málaga and 23°C in Malaga city and Marbella. However, this warmth is temporary, and the region will eventually feel the effects of the broader weather pattern[2].

Precautions and Advisories

Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors during storms, and prepare for potential flooding or power outages. The Aemet warns that while these winter storms are not unusual for December, the intensity of the current weather demands caution. Yellow alerts have been activated for dangerous sea conditions in several regions, including Catalonia and the Balearic Islands[1][3].

Long-Term Forecast

As the week progresses, temperatures are expected to rise again, especially in the southern and eastern parts of Spain. By the end of the week, temperatures should creep back to normal, hovering around 10°C inland and climbing above 15°C in the south and east. However, frosts may still linger in the northern regions[1].

In summary, Spain is in for a turbulent week with Arctic cold, snow, and heavy rainfall. While the weather is expected to settle down by the end of the week, residents and expats alike should remain vigilant and prepared for the immediate challenges posed by this severe weather system.