Spain is preparing for a drastic change in its meteorological conditions. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has activated the alert due to the imminent arrival of snow in several regions of the country. This change in weather, already on the second day of 2024, represents a clear contrast to previous conditions, characterized by predominantly sunny weather and the absence of extreme temperatures. Therefore, as the end of the winter holidays approaches, Spain faces what could be the most severe episode of the season.
So far, Christmas and New Year's Eve have taken place under mostly favorable weather, with an anticyclone that has kept rain and wind at bay in most of Spain. However, this panorama is about to change. The Aemet warns of the approach of a cold front that will bring with it more severe meteorological conditions, including strong wind and locally strong or persistent precipitation, especially in western Galicia.
The arrival of this cold front not only implies an increase in precipitation, but also a decrease in the snow level. Snow is expected to reach levels of 1,400 to 1,800 meters in the Cantabrian Mountains and 2,000 meters in the Pyrenees. These phenomena will be accompanied by mists and fog banks, especially on the Atlantic slope, and by more intense southwest winds in the northern half and the Balearic Islands. Specifically, intervals of strong wind and very strong gusts are expected in Galicia, the Cantabrian mountain range and the north of the peninsula.
This change in weather occurs just when the Three Wise Men are preparing to start handing out gifts, which could lead to a messy holiday. Thus, the cold front that will enter Galicia will bring the first rains of the year, which will progressively spread across the peninsula with its final destination in the Mediterranean. The heaviest rainfall is expected in Galicia and the western Cantabrian Sea, where meteorologists also predict strong winds.
Regarding temperatures, a significant decrease in minimum temperatures is expected in the southeastern half of the peninsula, while an increase is expected in the northwest. Maximum temperatures will range between 20ºC in Murcia and 9ºC in León, with minimum temperatures of 11ºC in Santander, which will contrast with -1ºC in Ávila.
