Snow in Spain as temperatures plummet by 10C

Spain is preparing for an abrupt spell of unusually cold weather this weekend as a mass of polar air pushes south from Iceland. Forecasters warn the system will bring a sharp fall in temperatures, widespread rainfall and the risk of thunderstorms across much of the country. In some mountainous regions, snow is also expected.

Temperatures in many areas are forecast to drop to around 10C below the seasonal norm, creating conditions more commonly associated with the closing weeks of winter rather than early May. The influx of maritime polar air from northern latitudes is expected to generate an unsettled and highly changeable weather pattern.

The biggest temperature falls are likely to be felt inland. Higher-altitude areas could experience readings more typical of late March, while coastal Mediterranean regions and parts of southern Spain are expected to escape the worst of the chill, although temperatures there will still sit below average for this time of year, The Olive Press reports.

Wet weather is forecast to spread across large areas of the peninsula, with northern and western regions expected to see the heaviest rain. Thunderstorms are also predicted in several parts of the country, with some potentially turning severe enough to bring hail and strong wind gusts.

There is also a chance of snowfall in elevated areas. The Cantabrian mountains and the Pyrenees are the most likely to see accumulations, although lighter and more isolated snow showers could also affect other northern and central mountain ranges.

Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve by Sunday as the cold front begins to move away from Spain.