'More Than One Meter': A Warning on a Strong Snowstorm to Hit Spain in a Few Hours

The arrival of storm Ivo will mark a new episode of instability in Spain. After the passage of Herminia, which has brought rain, wind, and snow, this new Atlantic system promises to reinforce adverse conditions. Snow will be the main feature in the coming hours, accumulating significantly in mountain areas.

The first snowfalls have already arrived today in some Spanish capitals. In fact, León woke up covered by a white blanket, and Cuenca has also recorded light snowfalls. These conditions will continue and intensify in the coming days, with active warnings in various regions of the country.

Snow levels will drop tomorrow

The drop in temperatures following the front associated with Herminia is already leaving its mark. In recent hours, precipitation has begun to turn into snow at altitudes between 800 and 1000 meters (2625 and 3281 feet) in the northern peninsula. However, a slight rise in levels is expected up to 1500 meters (4921 feet) during the morning of Wednesday, January 29.

The situation will change again as the day progresses tomorrow. The front of storm Ivo will bring with it a flow of polar air, which will cause snow levels to drop starting in the afternoon. Next Thursday, January 30, these levels will drop to 700-900 meters (2297-2953 feet) in the northwest and around 1000 meters (3281 feet) in the rest of the territory.

Snow arrives with force in Spain

The largest snow accumulations will be recorded in the main mountain systems, with more than 1 meter (3.28 feet) of snow possibly accumulating in some areas, according to ElTiempo. The Aragonese Pyrenees will be one of the most affected areas, where snowfalls are expected to accumulate more than 70 cm (27.56 inches) in some points. In the Cantabrian Mountains, significant accumulations are also expected, exceeding 30 cm (11.81 inches) in high areas.

The Central system, especially in its western sector, could also receive more than 30 cm (11.81 inches) of snow. These accumulations will mainly affect provinces like León and Zamora. In Sierra Nevada, Guadix, and Baza, accumulations could reach between 10 and 15 cm (3.94 and 5.91 inches) from 1100 meters (3609 feet).

Due to the intensity of the precipitation, yellow warnings have been activated for tomorrow and Thursday. The most affected areas will be the Cantabrian Mountains, the Iberian of Burgos, Soria, and La Rioja, as well as the entire Pyrenean area. Sierra Nevada and the surroundings of Guadix and Baza are also included.

AEMET has activated several snow warnings

The intensity of the precipitation forecast for the coming days has led to the activation of yellow warnings for snow in several regions. These warnings will be in effect from Wednesday to Friday, especially affecting mountainous areas.

Among the most affected areas are the Cantabrian Mountains, covering areas of Asturias and León, where an orange warning has been issued due to the forecast of significant snowfalls. In the Pyrenees, both in Aragon and Catalonia, the warnings are at yellow level, indicating moderate snow accumulations.

The Iberian system, in areas of Burgos and La Rioja, also has yellow warnings for snow. Additionally, in Sierra Nevada, which includes provinces like Granada and Almería, yellow warnings for snow have been activated.

Thus, everything points to snow being the main feature, at least until next Thursday, January 30. The precipitation and the low levels forecast will complicate mobility in the affected areas, so it will be necessary to take wingere precautions.