Andorra Faces Record Rainfall and Snow in January 2026

January 2026 has brought exceptionally heavy rainfall to Andorra, with precipitation levels nearly double the long-term average, according to Oriol Travesset, a researcher at Andorra Recerca i Innovació (AR+I).

Travesset reported a precipitation anomaly of almost 200% at the FEDA Central Station, where 136.3 mm fell over the month. Much of this arrived as snow, which has accumulated in the high mountains and delayed any sharp rise in river flows. "There is always a lag in the hydrological response," he noted, adding that the stored snow should boost river levels in coming months.

Snow reserves provide the clearest sign of the unusual conditions. At the Sorteny station, measurements hit three major peaks: 2.08 metres on 10 January—more than double the typical one-metre median for that date—followed by dips from later rain, then highs of 2.36 metres on 26 and 31 January. This doubles the usual January snow reserves and matches widespread perceptions of a wet, snowy year so far.

In contrast, 2025 was a largely normal year for rainfall. Five months exceeded climate averages, while six fell short. December showed a slight negative anomaly but stayed close to normal. The standardised precipitation index has remained well above drought thresholds since the second quarter of 2024.

River flows at Borda Sabater followed a typical pattern last year compared to 2016-2025, mostly slightly below reference levels but never reaching alert status. April and September saw positive anomalies, with April boosted by snowmelt. The usual May peak occurred but was less intense than in some years. Overall snow depths were below average, except for late March and late December storms that briefly met or exceeded medians.