Spain is bracing for its first winter episode of the season, as a mass of Arctic air is set to sweep across the country starting Saturday.

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued warnings for heavy snowfalls in the Pyrenees, Cantabrian, and northern Iberian mountain ranges, expected to last until at least Wednesday.

This cold front will bring a significant drop in temperatures, with cities like Burgos and León barely reaching 5°C.

Snow is anticipated at altitudes as low as 500 meters in the northeast, potentially complicating travel during the holiday weekend.

While the cold snap is not officially classified as a cold wave, it marks a stark shift from the unusually warm weather experienced recently.

Residents are advised to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions.