The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has confirmed that the first significant snow days of the season in the Community of Madrid will coincide with the drastic drop in temperatures expected for November 20, 21 and 22 (and with the Christmas lights switch-on). According to the warnings issued and the updated forecast, the risk of snowfall will be concentrated in the Sierra de Guadarrama, where the elevation will drop rapidly to 1,000 meters, and even drop to 700 meters in the coldest hours.
The localities that are expected to be most affected include Navacerrada, Cercedilla, Rascafría, Miraflores de la Sierra, Lozoya, El Boalo, Somosierra and much of the surroundings of Puerto de Cotos and Alto del León. In these municipalities the snow accumulation will be low, about 5 cm in 24 hours, but could generate complications on mountain roads and main accesses such as the A-1 (Puerto de Somosierra) and the N-VI (Guadarrama). The Guardia Civil itself, in coordination with Fomento, is keeping the Winter Viability Plan active: 227 snowplows, 735 agents and alert and control systems to ensure that strategic accesses remain open as far as possible.
And can it snow in Madrid?
In the metropolitan area and the capital the probability of snow is very low, because the elevation is at 1000 m high and Madrid is at 657 m, there could be brief precipitation in the early hours and the wind chill will drop significantly due to the north wind and widespread frost. AEMET maintains the yellow warning for the mountains and recommends caution in all travel on major mountain roads or rural routes in municipalities in the northeast and northwest of the community.
The authorities advise to avoid unnecessary travel, carry appropriate equipment (chains or winter tires) in mountain areas and be aware of possible temporary traffic restrictions or cuts by accumulation of snow, which could apply in the most troubled sections, especially during the night and early morning hours. The emergency device remains deployed and the population is advised to follow the official bulletins and updates from the municipalities and the Civil Guard to avoid incidents during this winter episode throughout the region.