A severe Arctic weather front is sweeping across Spain, posing a significant threat to British holidaymakers with rare and perilous conditions expected to blanket popular northern regions in up to 25 centimetres of snow.
Widespread Weather Alerts Issued
Meteorologists have issued a string of fresh weather warnings across dozens of Spanish regions, including several areas favoured by tourists. Forecasters are describing a significant risk of disruption for both travellers and local residents as this unusual cold snap takes hold.
The most intense snowfall is anticipated in zones surrounding Santander, Bilbao, and the Cantabrian Mountains. These areas could see a staggering 25cm (10 inches) of snow accumulate within a 24-hour period. The freezing level, the altitude at which temperatures hit 0°C, is predicted to drop to around 700 metres, particularly in the north, ensuring snow settles at lower levels than usual.
Key Areas Facing Snowfall and Storms
The wintry shock is not confined to the far north. Inland mountain zones near Santander are on alert for approximately 20cm of snow. Several well-known locations in and around Navarre and northern La Rioja are bracing for up to 10cm. Even the typically milder inland area near San Sebastián is forecast to receive around 5cm as the frigid air pushes south.
Snow has also been reported further south, affecting the Burgos Plateau, the La Rioja wine region, inland Zaragoza province, and elevated parts of the Castellón region north of Valencia.
Alongside the snow risk, separate rain, wind, and storm warnings have been activated for Mallorca, where strong gusts and heavy showers are expected throughout the day. The majority of these weather alerts are scheduled to remain in force until 6pm today.
Chilly Temperatures and Travel Impact for Brits
The Met Office has reported markedly cold temperatures for major Spanish cities. Zaragoza and Madrid will struggle to reach a high of 5°C today, while Bilbao will see 7°C with rain. Coastal favourites offer little respite; Valencia, Seville, and Málaga will fare slightly better with temperatures around 10–11°C and sunny spells, while Barcelona faces a chilly 8°C.
This weather event is particularly significant for the approximately 18 million Brits who visit Spain each year, making it the UK's most popular holiday destination. The disruption follows a similar severe weather warning issued last month for Murcia and Valencia.
The freezing conditions in Spain mirror the recent deep chill experienced in the UK, where temperatures plummeted to as low as minus 11°C in the Scottish Highlands overnight.
