Last Friday, December 1, climatological winter began and is expected to continue through the end of February. In Spain, the official forecast from AEMET indicates colder and wetter conditions in the northwestern part of the peninsula, with rainier-than-average prospects for winter 2023/24. In contrast, the Canary Islands are forecast to experience drier conditions, with less rainfall than usual. For most of the rest of the country, the outlook remains uncertain, and precise predictions are difficult because many atmospheric factors can shift the pattern in unexpected ways.
Speculation about the near term suggests that the recent wetter spell could be the last rainfall of the year in many areas of Spain. Meteorologists have highlighted that a shift in weather patterns is on the horizon, with high pressure and anticyclonic conditions likely to dominate in the coming days. In practical terms, this means colder nights and widespread frost in the mornings, accompanied by plentiful sunshine and a marked absence of precipitation for much of the period.
Experts note that the strength of high pressure will push rain away from large swaths of the peninsula, creating a formidable barrier to moisture. Only the extreme north could see occasional stray precipitation as systems skirt along the coast or move inland along marginal routes. The overall expectation is a dry spell that extends through the bulk of December, offering clear skies and cool to cold nights in many regions.
Looking ahead, forecasters anticipate that the anticyclonic pattern may intensify and persist into the following week. In practical terms, this translates to a prolonged stretch of frost and sun, with little to no significant rainfall. Fog might become a common feature during the mornings, while winds could remain noticeable in exposed areas, especially along coastal zones and high ground.
The overall forecast emphasizes a shift away from stormy conditions toward stabilizing high-pressure systems. This transitional period is likely to favor cold nights and bright, crisp days, with the potential for dense fog in low-lying valleys and urban basins. People planning outdoor activities should be prepared for chilly starts and the possibility of icy patches on roads and pavements in some locales.
As the anticyclone holds steady, residents across different regions will experience distinct weather experiences. The northwest may see the dampened influence of maritime air, while other parts of the country enjoy extended periods of sunshine. In short, expect a winter pattern characterized by clarity, frost, and a noticeable absence of rain for most of the coming days, with occasional brief interruptions from northerly or westerly systems approaching from higher latitudes.
The evolving pattern underscores the importance of staying informed through regular weather updates, as subtle shifts in air pressure and jet stream positioning can alter the forecast with little notice. For communities in higher elevations and rural areas, the forecast calls for extra vigilance during cold nights and mornings, when frost can create hazardous driving conditions and impact agricultural activities.
Overall, the forecast for this winter season points toward extended periods of dry weather interspersed with chilly nights and bright days. While weather enthusiasts may hope for dramatic storms, the current projection favors stability, with anticyclonic dominance shaping the daily rhythm and guiding people toward cautious planning and preparedness for the season ahead.