In Spain, thermometers plunged overnight, with six autonomous communities issuing orange and yellow weather warnings. In some regions, temperatures dropped to levels not seen in many years. The cold was especially severe in the mountains and the north, where freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall proved a real challenge for locals.
The lowest temperature was recorded in Cantabria, at the mountain shelter Cabaña Verónica in Picos de Europa, where it fell to -11.5°C overnight. In Asturias, at Vega del Urriellu, conditions were only slightly milder at -10.6°C. In Sierra Nevada, Andalusia, extreme readings were also measured, reaching as low as -10°C.
Freezing temperatures across different regions
In Galicia, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, and Madrid, residents woke up to a true winter landscape. In Reinosa (Cantabria), morning temperatures dropped to -9.2°C, while Alto Campoo registered -7.7°C. In León, at Lagunas de Somoza, the temperature also fell to -7.7°C. In Sierra Nevada, at the Comarante station, it was -7.5°C in the morning, and at the La Covatilla ski resort in Salamanca, -7.4°C.
According to local meteorologists in Galicia, overnight into Friday, temperatures in Cabeza de Manzaneda and the village of Xares in the municipality of A Veiga (Ourense) dropped to -8.2°C and -7.9°C, respectively. Such lows are considered extreme for these areas, even during winter.
Records and anomalies
This December has been one of the coldest in decades for the Valencian Community. In Alicante, December 25 marked the coldest Christmas Day since 1962. In València, similar temperatures have not been recorded since 1976, and in Castelló de la Plana since 1994. Locals note that even during the day, temperatures stayed below the usual levels for this season.
Meteorologists report that the sudden drop in temperatures is due to a cold air mass, which brought not only freezing weather but snowfall to mountain areas. In some places, snow fell where it’s rarely seen in December.
Impact on daily life
Due to low temperatures and snowfall, traffic restrictions were implemented in several areas, and public services operated in enhanced mode. Some schools opened later than usual, while residents were advised to stay home unless necessary. Avalanche risk increased in the mountains, posing a danger especially for tourists and skiers.
These weather anomalies affected not only the north and center of the country, but also southern regions. In Andalucía, where the climate is usually mild, nighttime mountain temperatures dropped below -10°C. Galicia and Castilla-La Mancha also saw severe frost, causing unexpected challenges for local farmers and landowners.
Forecast for the coming days
Meteorologists warn that the cold will persist over the next 24 hours, with some areas facing fresh snowfall. Residents are advised to remain cautious, especially on roads and in mountainous regions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to respond promptly to any emergencies.