Severe cold and precipitation are expected to sweep across Spain this weekend, according to experienced meteorologist José Antonio Maldonado. After days characterized by heavy rains and storms brought on by various weather fronts, including the most recent storm named Ivo, Spain has seen some stabilization. Temperatures, which had been unseasonably mild, are now beginning to drop as cold air settles across much of the country.
Maldonado, writing on Meteored, cautions, "Frosts will extend as the Ivo storm leaves Spanish territory," but he notes the cold spell may not last long. He warns of potentially heavy precipitation returning to the peninsula as another atmospheric depression, known locally as 'dana', approaches from the northwest. These upcoming weather changes could lead to snowfall not only on mountain ranges but possibly in various regions across Spain.
This weekend, cities like Teruel, Cuenca, Albacete, Huesca, and Soria are expected to wake up to frosty conditions, with temperatures falling as low as -5°C. Winds from the north and northwest will be strong, especially over the Pyrenees, blowing cold air across interior areas, generating freezing conditions. Heavy precipitation is expected, concentrated mainly on the cold front moving through the Balearic Islands, which will bring not only rain but potentially snow at higher altitudes.
Predictions point to rain on Saturday, February 1, particularly affecting the Balearic Islands, where snowfall might occur above 1,000 meters. Meanwhile, northeastern Catalonia could also see snow-covered mountain caps above 600 meters. On Sunday, meteorologists anticipate another wave of instability arriving from the west, yielding rain particularly over Galicia and other Atlantic regions, with thunderstorms forecasted to hit the Balearic Islands.
On the other hand, the northeast regions could be stable, experiencing relatively clear skies and mild conditions. Nevertheless, the expected transition to additional rainfall starting Sunday afternoon may bring challenges, especially as the icy weather conditions continue to present risks.
This weekend's forecasts show how busy the winter weather has been recently as several storms have worked their way across the Iberian Peninsula. The storms Garoe, Éowyn, Herminia, and Ivo have left notable impacts just this past month, causing not only considerable precipitation but also significant drops in temperature, particularly after Ivo's passing, resulting from temperature contrasting dynamics associated with the polar jet stream.
Weather systems will shift soon, with the polar jet stream expected to change behavior, increasing wave amplitude across Europe. This modified pattern will generate more localised and less persistent precipitation as the weather systems linger at lower latitudes, resulting to some extent from the warming sea surfaces around Spain and colder air pockets filtering down from the north.
Such instability forecasts highlight the unpredictability of current weather patterns; for example, snowfall from the DANA should be monitored closely, especially as it encroaches on locations like the Sierra de Tramontana mountain range. The combinations of atmospheric conditions paint a volatile portrait of the weather, reminding residents to remain prepared for sudden fluctuations.
With this complex meteorological situation, the recommendation is clear: people should brace for variable weather conditions over the weekend. It is prudent for residents to stay updated on forecasts, particularly for areas more susceptible to snow and cold, as the chill lingers and disrupts normal routines.
Officials will be monitoring conditions closely as widespread cold and wet weather may impact travel, fresh food supplies, and overall daily life across Spain as many prepare for another weekend under the threat of biting cold and torrential rain.
For the latest updates, citizens are encouraged to consult reliable weather forecasting platforms and local news outlets to stay informed about any weather alerts and necessary precautions under the prevailing chilly conditions.