Yellow alerts active for Sunday: Which Spanish provinces face heavy snow and 5cm accumulations

AEMET has activated Yellow Alerts for snow and heavy rain starting this Saturday, April 11, 2026, as a cold air mass collides with high spring humidity. Snow levels are forecast to drop sharply to 600 meters in the Cantabrian Mountains and Soria, with accumulations exceeding 5cm expected by Sunday morning. Meanwhile, southern and eastern regions face “mud rain” caused by a thick layer of suspended dust (calima) mixing with thunderstorms. Travelers should prepare for hazardous conditions on high-altitude routes and localized flooding in the Valencian Community, where saturated ground from previous weeks increases the risk of rapid surface water buildup during the predicted heavy downpours.

Rain spreads across eastern and southern regions

AEMET forecasts widespread rainfall across eastern mainland areas, including the Valencian Community, as well as parts of Andalusia and inland regions where storms are likely to develop during the afternoon.

Rain is expected to fall heavily at times, with short but intense bursts that could overwhelm drainage systems and lead to localised flooding. In coastal areas, conditions may turn rough, with stronger winds and unsettled seas affecting smaller vessels and exposed shorelines. What makes this system more difficult to manage is its uneven nature. Some areas may see only brief showers, while others could experience persistent rain over several hours.

Snow returns to higher ground

Alongside the rain, temperatures are set to drop in higher inland areas, bringing snowfall back to mountainous regions. AEMET indicates that snow levels could fall to relatively moderate altitudes for this time of year, particularly in the north and central interior.

This may affect mountain roads and routes that are already vulnerable after recent weather events. While snowfall is not expected to be extreme, it adds another layer of risk for drivers and those travelling through elevated areas. The return of snow so late in the season reflects the continued instability in Spain’s spring weather pattern, where warm and cold air masses are still competing.

Why this weekend could feel different

Spain has already seen several rounds of unsettled weather in recent weeks, but the current situation stands out because of the combination of rain, storms and snow happening at the same time.

Ground conditions in some areas are already saturated, which increases the likelihood of surface water building up quickly. Even moderate rainfall can become disruptive under these circumstances. The timing also matters. With more people travelling and spending time outdoors, even short-lived weather events can have a wider impact than they would earlier in the year.

What this means for travel and daily plans

For drivers, the main concern will be rapidly changing conditions. Roads can go from dry to hazardous within minutes during heavy downpours, especially on secondary routes. In mountainous areas, the presence of snow may lead to slower journeys or temporary restrictions, depending on how conditions develop.

Air travel is expected to continue as normal in most cases, although some delays are possible if storms intensify near major airports. Anyone planning outdoor activities this weekend may need to adjust plans at short notice. Conditions are likely to vary not just between regions, but within them.

What to watch in the coming days

AEMET continues to monitor the system closely, and forecasts may be updated as new data comes in. The current outlook suggests that instability could persist into early next week before gradually easing. However, this spring has already shown that weather patterns can shift quickly, and further alerts cannot be ruled out.