Cold weather returns to Andorra as snow levels drop to 2,400 metres this weekend

Andorra is heading for a change in weather this weekend, with gradually falling temperatures, increased cloud cover and the possibility of snow on the country's highest mountain peaks.

According to the Andorran National Meteorological Service, the heaviest rainfall is expected to continue into the early hours of Friday, November 13, before gradually weakening and giving way to improving weather conditions.

The most significant development will be a drop in the snow level to around 2,400 metres on Saturday, although any snowfall is expected to be limited and mainly concentrated in the highest areas of the Pyrenees.

However, unstable conditions will not disappear completely. Cloud cover is expected to persist throughout the weekend, with further light precipitation possible on Sunday.

Friday: Rain will ease as sunny spells develop

Friday, November 13, will begin under the influence of the weather system that has brought rainfall to Andorra over the previous hours.

Precipitation will gradually weaken during the early morning, becoming light and scattered as the day progresses.

By the afternoon, clouds are expected to break, allowing some sunny spells, although low cloud cover may continue to obscure many of the country's mountain peaks.

Northwesterly winds will become more noticeable in mountainous areas and could bring isolated precipitation during the evening and overnight.

In these areas, a few snowflakes may fall above 2,700 metres, particularly on the northern peaks of the Principality.

At lower elevations, precipitation is expected to fall as rain, with no snowfall forecast for populated valleys.

Saturday: Temperatures fall and snow levels drop to 2,400 metres

Saturday, November 14, will bring colder temperatures and variable weather conditions across Andorra.

The National Meteorological Service's initial forecast suggests a temporary break in precipitation, with morning cloud cover particularly noticeable in northern areas.

However, other weather forecasts indicate the possibility of isolated showers, meaning some instability cannot be completely ruled out.

The main development will be a gradual decline in temperatures, especially in mountainous areas.

The snow level could fall to approximately 2,400 metres, allowing any precipitation to fall as snow at some of the country's highest elevations.

Nevertheless, this does not necessarily mean that significant snowfall or substantial snow accumulation will occur.

For snow to settle, sufficiently low temperatures will need to coincide with enough precipitation.

Sunday: Clouds return with further rain possible

Weather conditions could become more unsettled again on Sunday, November 15, as a weakening weather front moves close to the Pyrenees.

This system is expected to bring increased cloud cover and the possibility of light precipitation, particularly during the second half of the day.

Although temperatures will remain cooler than earlier in the week, the snow level is expected to rise again to approximately 2,600–2,700 metres.

As a result, most precipitation reaching the valleys will continue to fall as rain.

Low clouds could also reduce visibility in mountainous areas, particularly at higher elevations.

What does the weather change mean for Andorra's ski resorts?

The arrival of colder temperatures and the possibility of snowfall at higher elevations comes just weeks before the start of the winter ski season.

However, a snow level of 2,400 metres does not guarantee significant snow accumulation at Andorra's ski resorts.

The outcome will depend on precipitation intensity, temperatures and the duration of any snowfall.

At higher elevations in Grandvalira, Ordino Arcalís and Pal Arinsal, conditions could allow some snow to fall if showers coincide with the coldest periods.

Nevertheless, current forecasts do not indicate widespread snowfall sufficient to establish a continuous snow cover.

Instead, the weather change is expected to bring an end to the recent milder conditions and introduce temperatures more typical of November.

A weekend of changing weather across Andorra

The forecast points to three days with different weather conditions.

Friday will see rainfall gradually disappear, with some sunny spells developing and a chance of snowflakes on northern peaks during the evening.

Saturday will bring the most noticeable drop in temperatures, with snow levels potentially falling to 2,400 metres, although precipitation is expected to remain limited or isolated.

Sunday could see another weak weather front bring increased cloud cover and light precipitation, with the snow level rising again.

Anyone planning mountain activities over the weekend is advised to check the latest updates from the National Meteorological Service, particularly because of possible changes in visibility, wind conditions and temperatures at higher elevations.