Weather Alerts and Significant Changes in Spain for Early 2025

As the new year unfolds, Spain is bracing itself for a series of significant weather events and economic changes that will impact daily life for both locals and expats.

Severe Weather Alerts

The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) has issued warnings for several regions in Spain due to an impending change in weather patterns. Starting from the third day of 2025, the country is expected to experience persistent and locally strong precipitation, particularly along the Atlantic coast of Galicia. These rains are anticipated to be part of a broader trend involving the approach of a new low-pressure system and the arrival of Atlantic fronts, which will bring cloudy skies and significant rainfall to the northern half of the peninsula, including the Cantabrian region and Galicia[1].

In addition to the rainfall, AEMET has warned of dense and persistent fog in valleys of the central and northeastern parts of the country, which could reduce visibility to as low as 100 meters. This fog, combined with sub-zero temperatures in some areas, has already led to yellow-level alerts for cold and fog in several regions, including Segovia, Sierra de Madrid, and parts of Catalonia[3].

Temperature and Precipitation Trends

Temperatures are expected to rise in various parts of Spain, with notable increases in the Ebro Valley, the Cantabrian region, the northern Meseta, Mediterranean areas, and the Canary Islands. However, these increases will be more pronounced in the northern half of the peninsula, while the rest of Spain will see minimal changes. Despite the rising temperatures, heladas (frosts) will continue to affect areas such as the Cantabrian region, the Pyrenees, and the southeastern sierras, although their intensity and extent are expected to decrease[1].

Economic Changes Affecting Expats

Alongside these weather changes, expats in Spain should be aware of several economic adjustments that will take effect in 2025. One of the most significant changes is the return of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity to 21%, following recent reductions. This increase is expected to add approximately €72 per year to the electricity bills of a family consuming 250 kWh per month[2].

Additionally, VAT rates on basic food items such as bread, milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and legumes will increase from 2% to 4% in January 2025. Products like pasta and seed oils will revert to a 10% VAT rate, while olive oil will remain at the reduced rate of 4% due to its classification as a basic necessity[2].

Other economic changes include the introduction of a mandatory waste tax in April 2025, estimated to cost households between €165 to €200 per year. There will also be new taxes on tobacco and vape liquids, and increases in motorway tolls. Telecommunications companies have announced rises in their monthly rates, and incentives for energy-efficient home improvements will no longer be available[2].

Public Transport and Housing

Despite these increases, public transport will continue to benefit from government aid. Free train season tickets for Cercanias and Media Distancia services will remain available until June, and a new bonus scheme is being developed, which will include a single Cercanias ticket for €20 per month and free transport for children under 15 years old[2].

For those renting or considering purchasing homes, a new reference index will come into force to update rental contracts, affecting tenant rents. Additionally, the conditions allowing variable mortgages to be changed to fixed mortgages at no extra cost will be eliminated, making future contract changes more expensive[2].

Expats' Experience in Spain

In the midst of these changes, Spain remains one of the more welcoming countries for expats. According to an annual survey by InterNations, Spain ranks highly in the Culture and Welcome category, making it easier for expats to adjust to the local culture. Spain also ranks well in the Finding Friends category, reflecting the social ease experienced by expats. However, it ranks 14th in Local Friendliness, indicating some challenges in building local relationships[4].

Overall, while the early days of 2025 bring significant weather and economic changes, Spain's welcoming environment and relatively easy integration process continue to make it a favorable destination for expats.