Else Beekman
After a brief spell of milder weather, Spain is bracing itself for a sharp, wintry shock. The country’s meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued warnings for what it describes as “a freezing week”, with arctic cold, snow, strong winds and sub-zero temperatures sweeping in from the north.
The warmish weekend was just a short-lived reprieve. A powerful Arctic front is now moving across the peninsula, and it’s expected to bring a drastic drop in temperatures, especially from Monday afternoon onwards.
Soaking start before the cold sets in
The week will begin wet and stormy, particularly in the north and northwest. AEMET forecasts that an active Atlantic front will bring heavy rain to Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, northern Navarra, the Sierra de Madrid and southern La Rioja. In some areas, rainfall could exceed 50 litres per square metre — a sharp, sodden start to a week that’s only going to get colder.
Further inland and across the northeast — including Segovia, Soria, Burgos and Zaragoza — showers will be frequent, with accumulations of up to 15 litres per square metre expected in parts of Aragón. The Pyrenees, as so often in a cold snap, are also on alert for early snow.
Cold air sweeps in, and bites hard
The cold front is being driven by a burst of polar jet stream. From late Monday, temperatures are set to tumble well below average for this time of year, with the chill stretching across the peninsula and the Balearic Islands.
But it’s not just the mercury that will make it feel cold — the wind will play a big role too. Gusts of more than 70 km/h are forecast along the Cantabrian coast, through eastern mountain ranges and in parts of inland Valencia. That combination of Arctic air and biting wind will send the “feels like” temperatures even lower — and by Tuesday, rain in the north is expected to turn to snow.
First frosts and sub-zero nights
By midweek, frost will be widespread, particularly across the interior north and east. On Tuesday, places like Ávila could dip to 0°C, while Burgos, Cuenca, Salamanca, Soria and Teruel may hover just above freezing. And Wednesday looks even colder: León and Teruel are forecast to fall to -2°C, with Ávila and Palencia not far behind.
Clear skies overnight and lingering cold air will lock in the wintry feel. It may be November, but for many it’ll feel more like deep winter.
How long will it last?
That’s still a bit uncertain. AEMET says the cold spell could start to ease by the end of the week, with temperatures gradually returning to more typical levels for the season. But for now, it’s a case of layering up, keeping an eye on local forecasts, and expecting more than a few frosty mornings.
The agency continues to urge caution, especially in areas affected by snowfall or high winds. “We’re looking at a week of very unsettled, very cold weather,” an AEMET spokesperson said. “It’s time to prepare — winter is arriving early.”