Arctic Air Approaches Spain This November

The thermal drop will become evident starting Wednesday, though the coldest values will be recorded between Thursday night and Saturday. Many inland cities will not exceed 8–10 ºC during daytime hours, while mountainous areas and valleys in the north and interior will experience frosts from early morning. Minimum temperatures could range between –4 and –6 ºC in higher altitude areas or particularly exposed plateaus.

At the highest altitudes, minimum temperatures may drop below –15ºC, while in Pyrenean peaks above 3,000 meters, values below –20ºC could be reached. The intrusion of the –8ºC isotherm at 850 hPa will directly affect the Pyrenees.

This marked thermal drop could lead to snowfall in cities like Burgos or Vitoria, as well as in vast areas of the Meseta Norte and the northeast. Furthermore, it will allow for the activation of virtually all snowmaking arrays in most resorts in the Peninsula, something already observed this Tuesday in numerous mountain centers. The episode arrives at a decisive moment in the preseason—just two weeks before the official start—and, if precipitation falls directly as snow, an early base could accumulate at mid and high altitudes of the Pyrenees and the Cordillera Cantábrica.

However, there is a possibility that the front will bring rain to low altitudes during the early hours of Thursday, which could affect the initial quality of the snow cover before the colder air arrives. Added to this is the intense wind expected at high altitudes, which could limit preparation work with machinery and even delay the first lift tests.

With snow reaching very low altitudes and temperatures dropping below zero, it is crucial to maximize safety measures. For those planning to travel by road, it is recommended to check AEMET warnings and road conditions in advance, carry chains or winter tires, and, as far as possible, avoid mountain passes during the most critical hours of the episode.