Britons currently residing in Spain may encounter harsh wintry conditions this week as an uncommon Arctic chill sweeps through the nation, depositing up to 25cm of snow in northern regions.
Multiple new weather advisories have been issued across numerous areas, including popular tourist destinations, with meteorologists warning of a “significant risk” of disruptions for both travelers and locals.
The most intense snowfall is anticipated in areas 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 buildup, with the freezing level expected to drop to 700 meters by day’s end, particularly in the farther northern areas.
Regions inland from Santander are on high alert for approximately 20cm of snow, while various recognized areas near Navarre and northern La Rioja could see up to 10cm. Even the typically milder inland vicinity near San Sebastián is projected to receive around 5cm as the cold air penetrates deeper along the north coast.
The wintry conditions are not limited to the northern periphery, as snowfall has been reported further south in regions including the Burgos Plateau, La Rioja wine region, inland Zaragoza province, and elevated locales in the Castellón region north of Valencia.
In addition to the snow threat, forecasters have also issued alerts for rain, wind, and storms in Mallorca, where strong gusts and heavy showers are expected throughout the day. Most weather warnings are in effect until 6 pm today.
According to the Met Office, major Spanish cities are experiencing low temperatures, with Zaragoza and Madrid barely reaching 5°C, Bilbao at 7°C with rain, and coastal favorites like Valencia, Seville, and Málaga slightly warmer at around 10–11°C with sunny intervals, while Barcelona will have a cool 8°C.
Approximately 18 million British tourists visit Spain annually, making it the top holiday destination for UK residents. Recently, travelers from the UK were cautioned about severe weather conditions and potential travel disruptions in Murcia and Valencia, both located in southeastern Spain along the Mediterranean coast.
This weather shift follows sub-zero temperatures in the UK, with readings dropping to as low as minus 11°C overnight. The coldest temperature, recorded at Loch Glascarnoch in the Scottish Highlands, dipped below minus 7°C across much of the nation, while England and Wales experienced slightly milder weather, with lows of minus 6°C in Trawsgoed, Ceredigion, Wales, and minus 4°C in Rostherne, Cheshire.
Meteorologist Simon Partridge attributed the cold snap to “a slight ridge of high pressure passing over the UK overnight,” noting that the key difference from previous nights is the notably lighter winds.