Weekend with two different weather patterns depending on the area

The movement of the anticyclone to the center of Europe and the storm Emilia –named by Aemet (the Spanish State Meteorological Agency)– located between the western Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands, has opened up a flow of maritime winds laden with moisture that will shape the weather in many regions this weekend. Low cloud cover is expected along much of the coast and pre-coastal areas, with a chance of some isolated showers. Between the Balearic Islands and especially the Valencian Community, cloud cover will be more abundant and precipitation will gradually increase. However, towards the Pyrenees, the Pre-Pyrenees, and nearby areas, the situation will be radically different, with bright sunshine and absolute calm. Two very different weather patterns depending on where you go this weekend, with next week potentially starting with rain in many areas and snow on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees.

Saturday: sun and clouds

The first day of the weekend will once again dawn with fog and low clouds in many areas, along with very high humidity. It will be another day of intervals of low cloud along the coast and pre-coastal areas. The most abundant cloud cover in Catalonia will be found in the Terres de l'Ebre region, where a few drops of rain are possible. Plenty of clouds will also be present in the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands, where there will be light and scattered showers or drizzle. In contrast, the sun will continue to shine brightly in the Pyrenees, Pre-Pyrenees, and surrounding areas. Temperatures will be quite similar throughout the day and night. Moderately cold in the early morning, but colder in the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees, where frost will again be quite widespread in the valleys. Some cold air will move in aloft, which will also bring temperatures below 0°C at higher elevations, after days with mostly positive nighttime temperatures.

Most highs will range between 12 and 17°C, and the weather will be generally cool. Lower temperatures are expected in mountainous areas. Daytime temperatures will be fairly typical for this time of year.

Sunday: Rain in the Valencian Community

The pattern of more clouds near the sea and more sun towards the Pyrenees will repeat itself, but with intervals of cloud cover gradually increasing. Again, some light rain is possible in the Terres de l'Ebre region. The new development will be that maritime winds will strengthen in the Valencian Community, bringing rain that will become more widespread and intense. Showers are also expected in the Balearic Islands. Temperatures will drop slightly further.

Possible rain to start next week

According to current weather maps, the unsettled weather will also move towards Catalonia at the beginning of next week. Therefore, rain is possible in many regions, following a completely dry December in much of the country. Additionally, snowfall is expected in the Pyrenees, mainly on the southern slopes and above 1,800 or 2,000 meters. While still uncertain and will need further clarification, it appears that the long-standing anticyclonic system of recent days will finally break. No winter cold spells are expected in the medium term, and temperatures will be fairly normal for this time of year.