Andorra Issues Cold Snap Warnings for Three Kings Day

Andorra's Meteorological Service has issued warnings for a cold snap peaking Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures dropping below seasonal norms and negative values expected across much of the country on Three Kings Day, January 6. A yellow alert remains active amid strengthening northerly winds that will heighten the chill factor.

The front linked to the Francis perturbation arrived Saturday afternoon, following a morning of overcast skies and scattered light drizzle. It reactivated showers into the evening and night, with increased instability bringing possible heavy precipitation in high mountain areas, snow accumulation at elevation, and strong gusts. Cold air in mid- and upper atmospheric layers has driven a steady temperature decline, ending a stable start to 2026 that featured morning thermal inversions and high clouds.

Sunday saw clouds thinning for sunny spells, though northerly winds intensified, contributing to low minimums. Forecasts for Monday indicate mostly clear skies by morning despite early clouds, with maximums reaching 7°C in Andorra la Vella, 2°C at 1,500 meters, and -8°C at Pas de la Casa. Minimums could hit -1°C in the capital, -5°C at mid-elevations, and -12°C in Encamp. An Arctic air mass will dominate Three Kings Day, pushing readings negative nationwide.

Late Tuesday afternoon, a front grazing the Pyrenees may bring clouds to northern peaks with isolated snow flurries, clearing by early night. Wednesday's sunny conditions and retreating cold air should allow daytime highs to recover slightly, despite low overnight minimums and scattered northern showers into midnight.

No extreme events are anticipated Principality-wide, though the broader southern European weather pattern signals widespread cold and potential snow based on elevation. Authorities advise monitoring updates, as the front's trajectory could alter forecasts, and urge caution on mountain passes and during outdoor activities around Three Kings Day due to risks from rain, snow, ice, and wind.