Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) is monitoring a winter cold spell that could produce rare snowy scenes within days. Storm Francis may blanket parts of the region in white, including Malaga, where the snow level is forecast to drop to 200 metres in several areas. If these predictions hold up, the capital could see a memorable Three Kings Day with unusual winter scenes. Minimum temperatures will not rise above 5 degrees Celsius, while maximums will hover around 11.
Weather models typically place the snow level much higher in altitude during winter. The unusual drop, if confirmed, could lead to snowfall at very low elevations in Malaga’s inland areas, though in the capital and coastal zones, a little rain is more likely than heavy snow.
The forecast for January 6 points to possible light rain, mostly cloudy skies, and wind, while on January 7, the threat of downpours begins to fade. In both cases, AEMET’s automated system prediction – showing a snow level of 200-300 metres very close to the sea — has gone viral on social media.
On December 31, AEMET explained that a stationary low-pressure system forming over Scandinavia and high pressure establishing over the North Atlantic will create a corridor of northerly winds, channelling an Arctic air mass over the Iberian Peninsula starting Saturday, January 3. As a result, intense rainfall is expected along with snowfall at medium altitudes, not ruling out impacts on central areas or lower levels, including the Costa del Sol.
In any case, due to the “high level of uncertainty” regarding the situation’s evolution and potential impact on outdoor activities in the coming days, AEMET recommends closely monitoring forecast updates.
Heavy hailstorm blankets Axarquia in white and floods homes in Rincon de la Victoria
It is worth recalling that on Christmas Eve afternoon, residents in Rincon de la Victoria and much of the Axarquia region were caught off guard by an intense hailstorm that left a white blanket over beach sand.
The situation prompted AEMET to issue an orange warning for accumulated precipitation of up to 30 litres per square metre in one hour and a yellow alert for thunderstorms across the area. While the settling of the white blanket was short-lived, it was enough for the Junta de Andalucia to issue a yellow alert for possible flooding and set off the regional flood risk emergency plan.