Madrid is bracing for significant weather changes this week, as the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued snow warnings and forecasts dropping temperatures across the region. Just as Madrid enjoyed relatively stable weather, residents are now preparing for the return of wintery conditions.
The sharp shift is attributed to the arrival of a polar air mass on Friday, February 7, which will bring drenching rains during midday and snow at higher altitudes. AEMET indicated the potential for snow accumulation of up to 5 centimeters at elevations above 1,000 meters, particularly near the mountains of Somosierra.
The cold snap is expected to set the stage for extreme weather across the region. According to meteorological predictions, temperatures are anticipated to plunge to lows of -11 degrees Celsius over the weekend, with the highest readings reaching only 8 degrees during the day. The forecast calls for strong winds of about 16 kilometers per hour, adding to the chilling impact of the cold.
On Friday, Madrid itself will see rainy conditions throughout the day. The highs will only reach around 8 degrees Celsius, with chilling lows of 2 degrees. Temperatures on Saturday are predicted to range from lows of 2 to highs of 12 degrees, indicating some morning improvement. Despite the initial excitement of snowfall, Madrid city is not expected to receive any precipitation accumulation.
While the capital remains relatively sheltered from heavier snow, the surrounding mountainous areas like the Sierra de Guadarrama are set to receive considerable snow accumulation, making them the highlight of this winter weather episode. Areas such as Collado Villalba and Getafe are forecasted to register temperatures dipping to near freezing.
This sudden change also brings the possibility of icy conditions, particularly on elevated roadways, so travelers and commuters should remain informed and cautious. The weather is expected to remain stable for the next week after the polar intrusion, to the delight of many eager for clearer skies and warmer temperatures.
Looking farther afield, the weather across the northern half of Spain is forecasted to be similarly affected. Heavier snowfalls are anticipated throughout mountain ranges such as the Cantabrian and Pyrenees, with significant accumulations slated to happen this weekend.
Communities across central Spain, though experiencing colder than average temperatures, will not see the same level of snowfall. The Balearic Islands, for example, are expected to enjoy mild conditions with highs of 22 degrees, making them the region's winter paradise.
Residents are advised to stay updated on meteorological alerts as the polar air mass begins its descent over Spain, and precipitation patterns remain unpredictable. For those keeping tabs on the latest weather updates, AEMET continues to be the reliable source for accurate forecasts.