Lorraine Williamson
A yellow weather warning in Andalucia is in force on Tuesday, 6 January in parts of Almería, Granada and Málaga, as the region swaps Storm Francis clean-up for a sharper, colder edge: snow at altitude, early-morning frost, strong winds and rough seas along the coast.
While the flood risk linked to Storm Francis has eased, the new warnings are a reminder that travel conditions can change quickly in winter, especially across higher ground and exposed coastal stretches.
Snow risk inland: 3cm possible above 1,200 metres
AEMET’s yellow snow warning affects mountainous and inland areas, including Guadix and Baza (Granada) and Los Vélez and the Almanzora Valley (Almería). Forecast accumulation is up to 3cm in 24 hours, mainly above 1,200 metres, with the snowline temporarily dipping towards 900–1,000 metres.
In Almería, the alert is expected to run into the early hours, while in Granada it extends later into Tuesday morning.
Granada’s cold snap: temperatures down to –4°C
Separate yellow warnings are also in place for low temperatures in parts of Granada province, including Guadix, Baza, and Cuenca del Genil, where minimums could fall to –4°C during the early hours. That raises the risk of ice on rural roads, shaded bends, and higher-altitude routes.
Málaga coast: force-7 winds and rough seas
On the Málaga side, the focus is on the coast. AEMET has issued a yellow warning for strong north-westerly winds in Sol y Guadalhorce, with gusts of up to 70km/h expected between 8.00 am and 6.00 pm.
A coastal warning is also in place for Sol y Guadalhorce and La Axarquía, with 50–60km/h winds (force 7) and sea conditions that can become hazardous fast. Local meteorology reporting has flagged 2–3 metre waves offshore during the warning period.
Storm Francis update: evacuations lifted in Cártama
Andalucian authorities say the flood risk associated with Storm Francis has reduced, and residents who were evacuated in Cártama (Málaga) have been allowed to return. Even so, the aftermath still includes damaged roads and infrastructure in some areas following heavy rain, wind, and landslides.
What residents should do today
With warnings spread across mountains, inland basins, and the coastline, the practical advice is simple:
- Check AEMET updates before setting off, especially if you’re travelling inland or above 900 metres.
- Drive as if ice is possible at dawn in Granada’s higher and rural areas.
- On the Málaga coast, avoid exposed promenades, breakwaters, and beaches if waves build, and secure loose items on terraces and balconies.
Winter in southern Spain often arrives in bursts: one day brings flooding, the next brings frost. Today’s yellow alerts are low-level on paper, but they can still bite in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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