Spain Braces for Major Winter Storm as Cold Front Brings Widespread Rain, Snow, and Plummeting Temperatures

Winter Conditions Descend on Spain Ahead of Christmas

A major winter storm is set to sweep across Spain in the days leading up to Christmas, bringing with it a significant cold front, widespread precipitation, and a sharp drop in temperatures. Meteorologists and weather enthusiasts, including Jorge Rey, have issued warnings about the approaching severe weather, which is expected to intensify around December 20-23, 2025. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has also indicated that conditions are likely to become 'decidedly wintery' before Christmas Eve.

Expected Precipitation and Temperature Drops

The approaching weather system will deliver extensive rainfall across much of the country. Showers are anticipated to affect Mediterranean areas from midweek, with a new Atlantic front expected to impact Galicia first, before moving eastward into Castilla y León, Navarra, and Catalonia by Friday. Heavy rainfall and the possibility of flash floods have already prompted an alert for Valencia and its surrounding areas, issued by AEMET on December 14.

Temperatures are forecast to plummet significantly, with some inland areas potentially seeing daytime highs struggle to rise above -1°C. Widespread frost is expected across inland Spain, and mountain ranges could experience severe freezes, with temperatures possibly dropping to between -10°C and -12°C. Even coastal regions may see nighttime temperatures fall below 10°C, a notable chill for areas typically accustomed to milder winters.

Snowfall Projections and Affected Regions

Snowfall is a key feature of this impending storm. Jorge Rey, known for his predictions based on the traditional 'cabañuelas' method, has warned of a 'large polar air mass' that could bring widespread frost and snow. Snow is expected to begin making a significant appearance between December 20 and 21. The Cantabrian Mountains, Iberian System, Central System, and Pyrenees are projected to receive heavy snowfall, with accumulations potentially exceeding 50 centimeters in high exposed areas of the Cantabrian range.

Several cities are also on alert for potential snowfall, including:

• Lugo
• Ourense
• León
• Burgos
• Valladolid
• Salamanca
• Ávila
• Segovia
• Soria
• Guadalajara
• Toledo
• Granada
• Jaén

Snow levels are expected to fall to around 1,000 to 1,200 meters in the northwest and 1,500 to 1,800 meters in central areas.

Warnings and Potential Disruptions

AEMET spokesperson Rubén del Campo confirmed that from Monday, December 22, Spain is likely to experience a much more winter-like pattern. The agency considers snow 'increasingly likely' in mountain ranges and across the northern plateau. An isolated low-pressure system, known as a DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), is also forming in the south, contributing to widespread weather instability.

Authorities are urging residents and travelers to exercise caution. The potential for heavy snowfall in inland areas and mountain routes could lead to significant disruptions in road conditions, and freezing temperatures may affect rail and air travel in some regions. Residents are advised to monitor local media for updates and follow instructions provided by local authorities.