Spain Battled by Intense November Cold Wave with Heavy Snow and Ongoing Search for Missing Shepherd
A severe Arctic cold wave and heavy snow are impacting northern Spain, with road disruptions, emergency responses, and ongoing search efforts amid challenging weather.
- • Severe Arctic cold wave impacting northern Spain with heavy snowfall and subzero temperatures.
- • Multiple provinces under snow alerts; 44 roads affected, some requiring chains.
- • Search continues for a missing 77-year-old shepherd in Gipuzkoa despite difficult weather conditions.
- • Meteorologists forecast ongoing cold and snow with another polar air mass expected next week.
Key details
Spain is enduring a severe Arctic cold wave causing plummeting temperatures and heavy snow, especially in northern regions. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued multiple weather alerts, particularly affecting provinces such as Huesca, Lleida, Navarra, Álava, and Gipuzkoa. Snow accumulation has reached up to 30 centimeters in mountainous areas like León and Aragón, with significant disruptions impacting transportation as 44 roads report snow-related conditions, some requiring chains for safe travel.
The situation is further complicated by strong winds and frost in high areas such as the Pyrenees valleys. Temperatures in some parts of Spain have dropped below zero, with spots in Catalonia reporting lows as cold as -15 degrees Celsius, well below normal November averages. In Valencia, the maximum temperature was only 13.9 °C, far lower than usual.
Emergency services are stretched amid these harsh conditions. A focused search is underway for a 77-year-old shepherd missing since last Thursday near Urbia in Gipuzkoa. The Basque Police’s Vigilance and Rescue Unit, assisted by mountain rescue teams, face challenges posed by snow and wind, although they have found the shepherd’s dog and livestock.
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) continues to monitor and report road closures and advises motorists to exercise caution and prepare adequately for travel. The Red Cross has increased emergency resources nationwide, raising mobile units to 91 to support homeless individuals vulnerable to the extreme cold.
Meteorologist Jorge Rey predicts that this persistent winter storm will last several days, with temperatures dropping to -4 °C in some areas and new snowfalls expected in cities like Burgos and Pamplona. While a slight easing might occur with an Azores high-pressure system by Sunday, a new polar air mass will arrive next week, likely bringing further precipitation and snow, including potential impacts as far south as the Extremadura region.
This marks the first major cold snap of the season for Aragón, where skiing season preparations are underway with snow depths sufficient to support winter sports commencing next week. Alerts remain active across many northern and mountainous zones, underscoring continued vigilance as Spain faces a challenging cold wave period.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.