Quiet times so far: the week will end very busy

BarcelonaThe calm weather we've been having this week is coming to an end. Today will still be sunny and calm, with pleasant maximum temperatures, although they will drop slightly. The only notable change will be the southwesterly wind, which will strengthen in the northeast and on the Pyrenees peaks. But the first changes will arrive on Friday, leading up to a decidedly more turbulent weekend. The arrival of a cold air mass will bring widespread rain, significant snowfall in the Pyrenees, and a more wintry feel. This situation will persist into part of next week, with a possible warming of the weather driven by a low-pressure system forming in our Mediterranean region. All of this will need to be closely monitored.

Thursday: still calm weather

The weather will remain calm today, with sunshine combined with some thin clouds, as well as morning fog and low clouds. From the afternoon onwards, cloud cover will increase in the west, but for now, without any major consequences. The southwesterly wind will temporarily strengthen again, possibly blowing with some strong gusts in the northeast and at higher elevations, especially in the Pyrenees, with rough seas along the Costa Brava. Temperatures will begin to drop, although midday will still be quite mild, with colder temperatures again in areas where fog lingers. Highs will range from 13°C to 17°C. Moderately cold in the early hours, with frost throughout the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees, and some light frost in inland areas. Less of a temperature inversion is expected, as temperatures dropped overnight in the high mountains, with values clearly below freezing. A calm, pleasant day to enjoy.

Waiting for major changes

On Friday, a weak cold front will cross the area, bringing more variable and overcast skies. The first light and scattered showers will arrive, especially in parts of the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees, with a snow level between 1,200 and 1,400 meters. Still little precipitation is expected, with cooler or colder temperatures in the middle of the day and southerly winds.

On Saturday, a mass of cold air of polar origin, associated with an Atlantic low-pressure system, will arrive. Significant instability is expected, with precipitation becoming widespread throughout the country, particularly affecting the coast, pre-coastal areas, and the southern slopes of the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees. Snowfall will begin above 1,500 meters, and will therefore be concentrated in the middle and upper Pyrenean elevations. Sea breezes are expected, with rough seas.

With the current weather maps, this rain and snow situation will last at least until Tuesday. The formation of a Mediterranean low-pressure system could bring a new easterly wind, with significant and heavy rainfall in many areas. Maritime conditions will be rough along the entire coast, and the southern slopes of the Pyrenees will experience another significant snowfall, especially in the eastern part, where the total accumulation from this event could reach around one meter of new snow.

This complicated situation, which we will need to clarify in upcoming forecasts, will be accompanied by wintry weather. If these forecasts prove accurate, some reservoirs may have to release water, as many are already above 80% or 90% capacity after the heavy rains during the Christmas holidays. It's adding insult to injury, and in just a few months we've gone from one extreme to the other.