The first day of winter will bring a calm but unmistakably wintery atmosphere to the Canary Islands. According to the State Meteorological Agency, the archipelago will experience predominantly cloudy skies and occasional light rainfall, particularly in the north of the higher islands. These showers may be more persistent in mid-altitude areas and during the late afternoon.
Across the rest of the islands, intervals of cloud are expected, along with a low probability of brief, light showers — especially in Lanzarote and on the southern slopes of Tenerife.
A more dynamic situation on the Iberian Peninsula
While the Canary Islands remain relatively stable, the weather across mainland Spain will be far more unsettled. Several Atlantic fronts will sweep from the northwest to the southeast of the peninsula, coinciding with the approach of a low-pressure system that will drag in a mass of polar air. This colder air will reinforce the drop in temperatures and heighten wintery conditions.
Snow alerts across multiple mountain ranges
AEMET has activated yellow warnings for snow in the:
- Central System
- Cantabrian Mountains
- Pyrenees
- Serranía de Cuenca
- Sierra Nevada
Heavy snowfalls are expected in these areas, with the possibility of spreading towards neighbouring regions, including parts of the northern plateau.
Snow levels:
- Northwest: 1,000–1,200 m, dropping to 900 m
- Southeast: 1,600–1,800 m, falling to 1,300–1,500 m
- Rest of the peninsula: 1,000–1,300 m
Accumulations of 5–10 cm are possible within 24 hours.
Morning fog is forecast in mountain areas and valleys in the northeast, and frost or temperatures close to 0ºC are expected in up to 14 provinces, including Ávila, Burgos, León, Cuenca, Salamanca, Segovia and Teruel.
Rainfall and coastal alerts
AEMET has also extended the yellow warning for heavy rain on:
- the Balearic Islands
- the coast of Girona
Widespread rainfall is expected along the coast of Galicia, the Pyrenees later in the day, the Alboran Sea region, and the southern section of the Atlantic coastline. In Andalusia, rain could be heavy and persistent, especially in the west and south.
Temperature forecast
Across mainland Spain, minimum temperatures will generally fall, particularly in the northern half, where sub-zero temperatures are expected by day’s end. Only the far west will see little change.
In contrast, the Canary Islands will experience stable temperatures, with no significant variations expected.
Wind and sea conditions
- Mainland & Balearic Islands:
West and southwest winds will blow with moderate strength, intensifying along the coasts. Very strong gusts are expected along the southern peninsula, the Balearic Islands and the Galician coastline, where orange warnings have been issued for waves up to six metres. - Inland peninsula:
Winds will be lighter. - Canary Islands:
Moderate trade winds will continue without major changes.
