Sierra Nevada Faces Unprecedented Cold

Pradollano recorded the lowest temperatures of 2025. The Granada station was the protagonist of the meteorological extremes in the latest AEMET report, registering an absolute minimum of -17.1 ºC last December.

According to the “Extreme Data of 2025”, the annual report that analyzes the main meteorological records in the country, Sierra Nevada has established itself as the main cold spot on the Iberian Peninsula. The document points out that Pradollano concentrated the lowest values of the year, in a context dominated by sharp climatic contrasts nationwide.

Sierra Nevada, specifically Pradollano, constitutes one of the key infrastructures for climate monitoring in Southern Europe. Located at an altitude of 3,092 meters above sea level, this station, integrated into the official AEMET network, acts as a privileged observatory of the troposphere, significantly reducing thermal alterations associated with human activity.

From a geographical point of view, its location in the vicinity of the Sierra Nevada peaks allows for very precise monitoring of the interaction between polar and Mediterranean air masses. At this altitude, furthermore, meteorological instruments must operate under extreme conditions, which adds a high degree of technical demands to data collection.

On December 22, coinciding with the official start of winter, the coldest day of the year was experienced in this enclave. Pradollano recorded the lowest maximum temperature of the year, as the mercury did not manage to exceed -11.2 ºC at any time of the day.

During the rest of the year, its ability to record data in extreme conditions has made it possible to certify temperatures of up to -17.1 °C, reinforcing its role as a benchmark in climate change monitoring and safety in the high mountains of the peninsula.