- Storm Francis is expected to bring unstable weather and cloud cover to the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands this Friday, according to the State Meteorological Agency.
- While rain is forecast for the west of the peninsula and will spread to the Cantabrian Sea, the northern plateau, the upper Ebro basin, and the western Pyrenees during the afternoon, temperatures are generally expected to rise.
- The weather agency recommends reviewing forecasts between January 4 and 6 due to the risk of snow at low altitudes in highly populated areas and on major roads.
- Rubén del Campo, the agency's spokesperson, noted that there is still significant uncertainty regarding the location and intensity of snowfall for the weekend.
Quick Summary
Storm Francis is poised to affect weather patterns across the Peninsula and Baleares this weekend. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) forecasts unstable conditions starting this Friday, characterized by cloud cover and varying precipitation. While the western peninsula will see rain initially, conditions are expected to spread eastward.
Despite the incoming storm system, the agency predicts a general rise in temperatures for Friday, particularly away from the Mediterranean facade. However, the primary concern for the weekend is the potential for snow at low altitudes. The agency has highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the exact zones that will be most affected, advising the public to stay updated on the latest forecasts.
Friday's Weather Outlook
The arrival of Storm Francis will initially bring unstable weather and cloud cover to the Peninsula and Baleares this Friday. According to predictions, the western part of the peninsula will experience rainfall first. As the day progresses, these rainy conditions are expected to expand across other regions.
The forecast includes the extension of rain to the Cantábrico, the northern meseta, the upper Ebro basin, and the western Pyrenees during the afternoon hours. Despite the presence of rain and cloud cover, the State Meteorological Agency anticipates a general increase in temperatures across the Peninsula and Balearic Islands for this day. The only exception to this warming trend is expected to be along the Mediterranean facade, where temperatures are predicted to remain stable with few changes.
There is still much uncertainty about where snowfall will occur and which zones will be the most abundant.— Rubén del Campo, Spokesperson for the State Meteorological Agency
Weekend Snow Uncertainty ⚠️
Looking toward the weekend, the forecast becomes more complex regarding precipitation types. Rubén del Campo, the spokesperson for the State Meteorological Agency, addressed the level of uncertainty currently present in the models. He explained that there is still "much uncertainty" regarding where snowfall will occur and which zones will see the heaviest accumulations.
Despite this uncertainty, some preliminary expectations have been outlined. It is anticipated that snow could fall at low elevations in the extreme north of the country on Saturday night. By Sunday, the potential for snow is expected to affect areas in both the north and the center of the Peninsula. The agency emphasizes the importance of monitoring the situation due to the risks associated with snow at low levels.
Safety Recommendations
Given the potential for hazardous conditions, the State Meteorological Agency has issued specific recommendations for the period between January 4 and January 6. The primary concern is the risk of snowfall at low altitudes, which poses a significant threat to highly populated areas and major road networks.
Travelers and residents are advised to review the latest weather updates frequently. The combination of snow at low levels and heavy traffic on major highways can lead to dangerous driving conditions. Staying informed is the best precaution against the unpredictable nature of Storm Francis during the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather forecast for Friday?
Friday is expected to have unstable weather and cloud cover with rain in the west of the peninsula, spreading to other areas in the afternoon. Temperatures are generally expected to rise.
Is snow expected this weekend?
There is significant uncertainty, but snow is possible at low levels in the extreme north on Saturday night and in the north and center of the peninsula on Sunday.
