Spain is bracing for a significant weather shift as an Arctic air mass sweeps across the country, bringing winter conditions after weeks of unusually warm temperatures.

The Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a special warning for a cold front expected to hit over the weekend, affecting the entire nation, particularly the northern regions and the Balearic Islands.

This weather event is anticipated to bring heavy snowfall, with snow levels dropping to as low as 500 meters in some areas, especially in the Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees, and the Iberian System.

Strong winds, reaching over 100 km/h, are also expected, contributing to challenging conditions both on land and at sea.

The cold snap is set to coincide with the Constitution Day holiday, potentially impacting millions of travelers.

While the temperatures will plummet, with some areas experiencing highs of only 10°C or lower, this is not classified as a cold wave but marks the first significant winter episode of the season.