Britons residing in Spain are bracing for severe wintry conditions this week as an uncommon Arctic surge sweeps through the region, potentially depositing up to 25cm of snow in northern areas. Numerous weather advisories have been issued across various regions, including popular tourist spots, warning of a significant risk of travel disruptions and local disturbances.
The most substantial snowfall is anticipated in proximity to Santander, Bilbao, and the Cantabrian Mountains, where as much as 25cm (10 inches) of snowfall could accumulate within a 24-hour period. Elevated terrains starting at around 900 meters are already witnessing snow buildup, with the freezing level expected to descend to 700 meters by the day’s end, particularly in more northern areas.
Mountainous regions inland from Santander are on alert for approximately 20cm of snow, while certain renowned locations in and around Navarre and northern La Rioja are preparing for up to 10cm. Even the typically mild inland area near San Sebastián is forecasted to receive about 5cm of snow as cold air penetrates further along the northern coast.
The wintry conditions extend beyond the northern border, with reports of snowfall in southern areas like the Burgos Plateau, the La Rioja wine region, inland Zaragoza province, and elevated sections of the Castellón region north of Valencia. In addition to snow risks, meteorologists have issued warnings for rain, wind, and storms in Mallorca, where strong gusts and heavy showers are anticipated throughout the day. Most weather alerts are slated to remain in effect until 6 pm today.
According to the Met Office, major Spanish cities are experiencing chilly temperatures, with Zaragoza and Madrid barely reaching 5°C, while Bilbao is at 7°C accompanied by rain. Coastal destinations such as Valencia, Seville, and Málaga are slightly warmer, hovering around 10–11°C with sunny intervals, whereas Barcelona is poised for a cool 8°C.
Spain, attracting approximately 18 million British tourists annually, remains a top holiday destination for UK citizens. Recent warnings advised British travelers to prepare for severe weather conditions and potential travel disruptions in Murcia, southeastern Spain, and Valencia, situated on the eastern Mediterranean coast.
These alerts come on the heels of plummeting temperatures in the UK, with readings as low as minus 11°C overnight. The frigid conditions were recorded at Loch Glascarnoch in the Scottish Highlands, with temperatures dipping below minus 7°C across much of the nation. Marginally milder temperatures were observed in England and Wales, with lows of minus 6°C in Trawsgoed, Ceredigion, Wales, and minus 4°C in Rostherne, Cheshire.
Meteorologist Simon Partridge attributed the cold snap to a high-pressure ridge traversing the UK overnight, noting that lighter winds distinguished this particular night from previous ones.