Spain Braces for Coldest Christmas in 15 Years

Quick Summary

Spain is set to experience its coldest Christmas in over a decade, according to forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). The agency predicts that temperatures on December 24 and 25 will be the lowest recorded for those specific dates since the year 2010.

This forecast represents a significant weather shift for the country. Throughout much of December, temperatures had remained above the normal levels when compared to the reference period of 1991-2020. However, the final stretch of the month has brought a dramatic reversal, resulting in the first week of Christmas to be colder than the historical average since 2010.

In addition to the cold, the holiday weather will include precipitation. The forecast indicates that December 25 will feature rainfall, potentially persistent, specifically affecting Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

Record-Breaking Cold Snap 🥶

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a forecast indicating a historic drop in temperatures for the holiday season. For the first time in 15 years, the days of December 24 and 25 will register the lowest temperatures ever recorded for those dates. The last time Spain experienced a Christmas this cold was in 2010.

This cold weather is not an isolated event but rather the culmination of a changing weather pattern. The month of December began with a warm anomaly, consistently registering temperatures above the climatic average. The sudden shift to sub-average temperatures marks a distinct change in the weather dynamics as the year comes to a close.

Weather Reversal 📉

The transition from a warm December to a freezing Christmas week is notable. For the majority of the month, the weather was characterized by temperaturas superiores a las normales (temperatures higher than normal) relative to the 1991-2020 period.

However, the Aemet data confirms that the end of the month has bucked this trend. The arrival of colder air masses has driven temperatures down, creating a scenario where the first week of Christmas is colder than the historical average. This reversal impacts the entire country, setting the stage for a frigid holiday celebration.

Regional Precipitation Forecast 🌧️

While the cold is widespread, the precipitation will be more localized. The forecast for December 25 specifically highlights the likelihood of rain in two major regions.

Residents and visitors in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands should prepare for wet conditions. The agency suggests that these precipitations may be persistent, potentially impacting travel plans and outdoor activities during the holiday.

Conclusion

The weather forecast for this holiday season presents a sharp contrast to the earlier part of December. With Aemet predicting the coldest Christmas since 2010, the nation is preparing for a significant temperature drop. The combination of record-breaking cold for the dates and regional rain in areas like Catalonia and the Balearics defines the meteorological landscape for the 2025 holiday season.