Else Beekman
Spain is bracing for a sharp drop in temperatures as a cold air mass sweeps across the country, bringing a sudden taste of winter. Following the remnants of Storm Leslie, which hit Spain earlier this week, the cold front is expected to bring snow, rain, and a significant drop in temperatures across much of the country.
The Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has announced that from Wednesday onwards, temperatures could fall below 10°C in almost every region, with some areas in the north facing even colder conditions, including the possibility of frost and light snowfall.
Due to cold front temperatures set to plummet across Spain
Once Storm Leslie dissipates, a cold air mass from the north will settle over Spain, pushing temperatures down significantly. Both daytime highs and nighttime lows will drop below average for this time of year, with the north of the country experiencing the brunt of the cold. The Cantabrian region, the Picos de Europa, the northern Iberian range, eastern Castilla y León, and the Sierra de Madrid will see temperatures plunge by as much as 10°C compared to earlier in the week.
By Friday, this cold air could extend to parts of Aragón, Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Mediterranean coast. Maximum temperatures will struggle to rise above 20°C in many parts of the country, with some inland areas seeing highs of just 15°C. In northern interior regions, such as Burgos and mountainous areas, lows could dip below 5°C.
Rain and snow expected in certain regions
The arrival of this cold front won’t just bring lower temperatures. According to Aemet, a deep Atlantic storm system located west of Ireland will send associated weather fronts towards Spain, contributing to continued unsettled conditions. Over the coming days, heavy rain is expected to affect regions such as Extremadura, western Andalucía, the Central System, and the Pyrenees. In contrast, areas like the Levante coast and the Balearic Islands will remain largely dry and unaffected by the heavier rainfall.
Rubén del Campo, a spokesperson for Aemet, has also indicated that light snowfalls may occur in the northern mountains, particularly the Pyrenees, with the chance of some frosts as temperatures drop further on Thursday. Although snow accumulation is not expected to be significant, the change marks the beginning of colder, more wintry weather across parts of Spain.
Warmer weather to return by the weekend
While much of Spain will experience cold and wet conditions this week, the Mediterranean regions will be somewhat spared. Daytime temperatures could still reach as high as 25°C in areas along the coast. However, by the weekend, Aemet forecasts a slight rebound in temperatures, with conditions expected to improve as the cold air mass moves on.
As the country faces this abrupt shift in weather, it’s time to prepare for winter coats and perhaps even snow boots in the north. The rest of Spain, though, will need to stay alert for rain and cooler days as autumn’s unpredictability continues to shape the forecast.