Andorra Issues Yellow Rain and Orange Wind Warnings for North

Andorra's meteorological service has issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall accumulation in the northern parishes, effective from midnight Tuesday until 6am Wednesday, alongside a new orange warning for strong winds in high-altitude areas Tuesday afternoon.

The rainfall will start after midnight with a warm front, bringing initial precipitation mainly to Canillo, Ordino, parts of Massana (Arinsal), and Encamp (Pas de la Casa). Snow levels will begin around 1,500-1,800 metres, rising quickly to 2,000-2,100 metres by mid-morning as conditions intensify in the north. Winds will gust up to 50 km/h in valley bottoms during the morning and 30 km/h elsewhere, prompting a yellow wind alert across the Principat all day.

A brief lull is expected Tuesday afternoon, before a cold front triggers heavier showers nationwide into the first half of the night. Snow levels could then reach 2,400 metres, though some forecasts note a potential drop overnight to 1,500 metres or even 1,200 metres locally by morning.

The orange wind warning targets elevated zones from noon to 6pm Tuesday, with gusts possibly hitting 90 km/h, linked to the "Nils" weather system arriving that afternoon.

Temperatures will rise Tuesday, with minima of 3°C in Andorra la Vella, 0°C at 1,500 metres, and -4°C at Pas de la Casa. Maxima hold steady at 12°C in the capital, 9°C at 1,500 metres, and 3°C near the Franco-Andorran border. The 0°C isotherm stays near 2,800 metres midday, easing to 2,700 metres overnight.

Wednesday looks similar, with cloudy skies and showers mainly late afternoon into the night. This comes after a weekend of mild winter conditions.