People in the town of Bunyola, in the Serra de Tramuntana (Mallorca).
La cold wave The snowfall we are currently experiencing in Spain is leaving snow at very low altitudes and in places where this phenomenon does not usually occur, such as in much of the Balearic Islands and in communities on the Mediterranean coast. You can learn more about the winter situation in our article on the cold wave in Spain and its impact on the current climate, as well as reading about other cold waves registered in the world.
Today, Wednesday, January 18, many communities are on alert for low temperatures, wind, and snow.
Forecast for today January 18
Image - AEMET
Temperatures
Today temperatures of up to 12 degrees below zero are expected in parts of Aragon, the Catalan Pyrenees, Albarracín, Jiloca, Gúdar, Maestrazgo, and the Iberian Peninsula of Zaragoza. The provinces of Ávila, Burgos, León, Segovia, Soria, and Zamora are on orange alert for temperatures between -10 and -11°C. In Palencia, Salamanca, and Valladolid, there is a yellow alert for frosts of between 6 and 9 degrees below zero. This phenomenon can be linked to what we have seen in other places, such as Japan, which has been experiencing a similar phenomenon. For a deeper look into the topic of low temperatures, visit our section on cold on clear nights and you can also find out about what is a cold wave to better understand this phenomenon.
Snow
Although the snow level will remain between 0 and 300 meters today, there is a snow alert in Almería and southwest Murcia, where a significant impact is expected due to the current weather situation in Spain. It is important to remember that the cold waves can seriously affect safety in these areas.
Bad sea
On the Mediterranean coasts as well as in the Balearic archipelago the sea will continue to be very unstable, with northeasterly winds and force 8 intervals, which will favor the formation of waves up to 5 meters high. It is important to note that similar situations can increase the danger of the weather, as we discussed in our article on cold weather and its effects on security, as well as in places with extreme temperature records.
Forecast for tomorrow, January 19
Image - AEMET
Temperatures
Communities in the northern half of the peninsula, as well as those on the Mediterranean coast, will be on alert due to temperatures that could reach -15ºC in parts of the Pyrenees and the Iberian System.In inland areas of the peninsula, temperatures may not rise above 5°C, while in the rest of the country, highs of up to 15°C are expected in the Mediterranean and up to 20°C in the Canary Islands, which have not been affected by the cold wave. To understand this phenomenon, we recommend reading about the coldest countries on the planet where extreme temperatures have been recorded, and also to see their effects.
Snow
Regarding the risk of snowfall, Albacete, Murcia, Almería, Alicante, and Valencia will be on yellow alert, and they are preparing for challenging weather in the coming hours. We have already seen how these conditions can seriously impact the regional climate.
Bad sea
For tomorrow the situation will begin to improve in the Balearic Islands, which will remain on alert, this time yellow due to wind and rough seas with 2-3 meter waves. On the Mediterranean coast the situation will be complicated, especially on the Valencian coast due to strong winds and waves that could reach 5 meters. At this time, knowing the interactions between climates is essential, so you can read more about the link between the cold waves and climate change and its impact on the Mediterranean.
The situation is expected to improve from January 20th. There is not much time left .