Severe Cold and Snow Expected This Epiphany Day in Spain: A Historic Weather Warning

Martín Barreiro, one of the meteorologists at TVE, has issued a stark warning that Epiphany Day in 2026 could be the coldest day Spain has seen in the last 40 years. As preparations for the day’s festivities take place, residents are advised to bundle up, as widespread adverse weather conditions are anticipated. The temperatures are on a downward trend, largely due to the influx of Arctic air. Barreiro pointed out that a freezing dawn and persistent snowfall will characterize the day on his TikTok account, emphasizing that some regions are already experiencing temperatures below zero. According to Barreiro, the morning will be particularly frosty in much of Spain, prompting orange alerts in northern regions like Aragon and Catalonia, while yellow alerts are in place for a wider array of locations across the country. Precipitation is projected to continue, leading to snowfall, especially in the southeastern part of the peninsula and northern Spain. The spokesperson for the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), Rubén del Campo, echoed Barreiro's concerns, noting that thermometers are expected to start below zero in nearly all inland areas of the peninsula. He predicts intense frosts in the northern and eastern sections of the country, with temperatures in the Pyrenees expected to drop to 10°C or even lower. For the following Wednesday, del Campo forecasts a clearer anticyclonic situation, but the frigid temperatures will persist, resulting in widespread frosts again in the interior regions. However, daytime temperatures may rise in the northern half. Snowfall will continue at elevations of around 200 to 400 meters in Galicia, Cantabrian communities, and the upper Ebro, but is expected to lessen over time. Precipitation is also expected in the far southeast and the Balearic Islands, decreasing as the day progresses, with the potential for snow at elevations starting from about 500 meters in Mallorca. As preparations ramp up to manage the severe weather, the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has expanded its winter contingency plan, which was activated this past Sunday. The plan now includes 659 snow plow machines and a storage capacity for 126,615 tons of deicing agents to mitigate the impact of snowfall in regions like Cantabria and Madrid. This expansion responds directly to the extended orange snowfall alerts for the communities of Castilla y León and Catalonia, underscoring the government's commitment to maintaining road safety and comfort during this challenging winter season. With harsh weather conditions looming, residents are urged to prepare adequately for the cold temperatures and snowfall as Spain braces for a potentially record-breaking Epiphany Day. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2