Adverse weather conditions loom over Spain as the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued yellow alerts for both snowfall and heavy rainfall for several regions on March 2, 2025. Residents are being urged to take precautions as the weather is set to impact travel and everyday activities significantly.
Five autonomous communities have been put on alert for snowfall. AEMET has activated the yellow alert for snow accumulation particularly affecting Aragón, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Community of Madrid, and La Rioja. The regions most impacted include Teruel in Aragón, where snow accumulations of up to 5 centimeters (2 inches) are expected, especially in the mountain areas, which are predicted to receive snow above altitudes ranging from 700 to 900 meters (2,297 to 2,953 ft).
Castilla y León appears to be one of the hardest hit, with warnings issued for multiple provinces including Ávila, Burgos, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, and Valladolid. It is forecasted to see snow accumulations varying from 2 to 15 centimeters (0.8 to 5.9 inches), particularly above 900 meters (2,953 ft). The Central System of Ávila and Segovia is expected to see the heaviest snow, with heavy accumulations likely due to rising snow levels throughout the afternoon and evening.
Meanwhile, Castilla-La Mancha’s province of Guadalajara is bracing for 2 to 10 centimeters (0.8 to 3.9 inches) of snow. The Community of Madrid is also under alert where the Sierra de Madrid may see snow accumulations reaching up to 15 centimeters (5.9 inches). AEMET warned about the potential complications on mountain roads, emphasizing the need for caution among travelers. "The weather situation could complicate traffic on mountain roads and elevated areas," commented AEMET.
La Rioja is not left out, expecting snow accumulation of up to 5 centimeters (2 inches) at altitudes exceeding 700 meters (2,297 ft), leading inhabitants to remain vigilant and cautious during travels through affected routes. Alert levels remain at caution, advising those living and traveling through these mountainous areas to remain informed about the conditions.
Besides the snowfall alerts, AEMET has also raised alarms for heavy rainfall forecasts along the southern and eastern coasts of Spain. Areas including parts of Andalusia, Murcia, and northern Alicante are bracing for significant rainfall. AEMET issued warnings indicating up to 60mm (2.4 inches) of rain could fall within 12 hours, with localized flooding anticipated. The heaviest downpours are expected to strike the Valencian Community, with some reports forecasting rain amounts of around 20mm (0.8 inches) within just one hour.
On the Costa del Sol, there is even more concern as AEMET has issued fresh orange alerts due to the heavy rainfall. The alert remains active from midnight until 2pm on Monday, covering areas from Cádiz to Málaga, including popular spots such as Marbella, Estepona, and Torremolinos. The weather agency is expecting up to 80mm of rain; such heavy rains can lead to localized flooding, and residents and visitors alike are being urged to exercise caution.
AEMET's prediction noted extreme weather conditions may persist, with forecasts indicating persistent rain across Málaga for the upcoming week. Despite these adverse conditions, locals are accustomed to variances typical of this time of year. Nevertheless, the expected drop in temperature across these regions could reach lows of 12°C (53.6°F) by the end of the week.
Authorities are also implementing measures to mitigate the impacts of these weather conditions, advising residents and travelers to prepare adequately. The overarching recommendation during this unpredictable weather period remains the same: stay informed and be prudent about unnecessary travel during adverse conditions.
With changing forecasts and potential severe weather, Spain will need to brace for the impending impact, keeping safety at the forefront of everyone’s minds during this challenging weather period.