Malaga is entering the holiday season with a distinct wintery feel, forcing everyone to brace for another wave of unsettled weather. Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a yellow alert for intense rainfall this Friday evening and Saturday morning, targeting more specifically the Costa del Sol, Guadalhorce Valley, and Axarquia regions.
The warning activates at 9pm and runs until midnight (some forecasts extend to 3am), with potential downpours delivering up to 15 litres per square metre in one hour. That will equate to a short, heavy deluge with chances of flash flooding and hail. Thunderstorms accompany the showers, especially in alerted areas. Ronda and Antequera avoid the yellow alert but still expect rain.
Start of a week of unstable, wintery weather
The meteorological event kicks off a prolonged unstable period, with successive upper-level depressions bringing more wet weather. Sunday forecasts widespread rain across the province, along with a sharp, pronounced temperature drop.
In Malaga city, showers precede next week, but Christmas Eve currently shows a low chance of rain, though Jack Frost will be nipping at your nose, with mid-afternoon highs around 15°C. Residents should prepare for cooler nights, perhaps adding scarves or warm layers to holiday wish lists.
Inland zones like Ronda and Antequera face persistent rain through Christmas Eve, making umbrellas a must-have stocking filler there more than on the coast.
High elevations expecting snow covering
With the incoming cold air mass and lowering snow levels over the weekend and into next week, higher elevations in Malaga’s mountains—such as the Sierra de las Nieves, Sierra de Axarquia, or peaks like La Maroma – could receive a reasonable dusting of snow. This rare pre-Christmas snowfall adds a picturesque winter layer to the rugged landscapes, looking delightfully Christmassy from a distance for photographers while reminding drivers to check road conditions in elevated areas.
Authorities advise caution on roads due to possible flooding and reduced visibility. Stay updated via Aemet for any changes.