Weekend Weather Forecast for Spain: Sunny Skies and Rainy North

As the weekend approaches, Spain is set to experience a mixed bag of weather, with significant variations across different regions. Here’s what expats and residents can expect from Friday, January 10, to Sunday, January 12.

Friday, January 10: Unstable Weather in the Northwest

A new Atlantic front is expected to bring unstable weather to the northwest of Spain on Friday. This will result in widespread clouds and rain across Galicia and the Cantabrian Sea, potentially extending to other northwestern regions and the Pyrenees. The areas of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, and northern Castilla y León are likely to be the most affected, with yellow warnings issued for high winds and rough seas in these regions[1][2].

In contrast, the rest of Spain and the Balearic Islands will experience anticyclonic conditions, leading to low morning clouds along the Atlantic coast that will clear later in the day. The Mediterranean coast will see partly cloudy skies, while the Canary Islands will enjoy stable weather with clear to partly cloudy skies. Fog may develop over the southern plateau, and temperatures are expected to continue rising in most parts of the country[1].

Saturday, January 11: Pleasant Weather for Most

On Saturday, the pleasant weather will continue for most of Spain thanks to an anticyclone located off the west coast. However, the far north of the country and the Balearic Islands can expect a strong chance of rain. The snow level will drop to around 1,200 meters by the end of the day, particularly in the Pyrenees and Cantabrian Mountains. Both maximum and minimum temperatures will tend to fall in the far north, while remaining unchanged in the rest of the country. A yellow wind warning has been issued for the Valencian Community[1].

Sunday, January 12: Rain and Frost

Sunday's weather will be very similar to Saturday's, with rain forecast in the far north and in the Balearic Islands. The snow level will drop further to just 700-800 meters in the northeast of the country. Day and night-time temperatures will plummet, and frost will spread, affecting all inland areas to the north and southeast. This significant drop in temperature will mark a stark contrast to the rising temperatures seen earlier in the week[1].

Regional Highlights

• Galicia and Cantabria: These regions will experience the most significant impact from the Atlantic front, with widespread rain and strong winds. Snow is expected at medium altitudes, and frost is not ruled out in some areas[1][2].
• Balearic Islands: Despite some rain, the islands will generally enjoy stable weather with clear to partly cloudy skies throughout the weekend[1].
• Canary Islands: The Canary Islands will remain stable with clear to partly cloudy skies, avoiding the worst of the weather[1].

Preparations and Warnings

Expats and residents, especially in the northern regions, should be prepared for rough seas and high winds. Orange alerts for rough seas have been activated in Cantabria, the Basque Country, and Galicia, while yellow warnings for high winds and rough seas are in place in Aragon, Asturias, Catalonia, and the Valencian Community[1].

As the weather system evolves, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings from AEMET, Spain's national weather service. This will help in planning outdoor activities and ensuring safety during the potentially inclement weather.