Community

Storm Francis brings snow to inland Almeria as yellow alert remains active

Published January 5, 2026 | Category: Community

TL;DR: Storm Francis brings snow risk inland Almeria. AEMET has activated a yellow alert for snow in higher-altitude areas (mainly Almanzora and Los Vélez) for Monday evening, with up to 3 cm possible above 1,200 metres and the snow level potentially dropping towards 900–1,000 metres.

Storm Francis brings snow risk to inland Almeria as AEMET issues a yellow alert

Storm Francis brings snow risk to inland parts of Almeria province, with Spain’s state meteorological agency AEMET activating a yellow warning for snowfall in higher-altitude areas. According to AEMET’s official alert details, the expected accumulations are modest, but conditions can still affect driving on mountain roads and passes, especially after sunset and during the early hours.

When the snow alert is active

The yellow snow alert is currently set for Monday, January 5, mainly during the late afternoon and evening (from 18:00 until 23:59). AEMET’s alert indicates:

Snow accumulation (24 hours): up to 3 cm
Most likely above: 1,200 metres
Snow level: could drop towards 900–1,000 metres

You can check the live warning status directly on AEMET’s official alerts page: AEMET warnings.

Which areas and towns are most likely to see snowfall

The warning primarily concerns inland and northern zones, especially the Almanzora and Los Vélez regions. In practical terms, snowfall is most likely in higher-elevation municipalities and roads linking the valleys to the northern sierras.

Based on the alert area and the municipalities referenced in local reporting around the warning, towns commonly mentioned as being at risk include:

Almanzora / Los Vélez high areas (higher elevations and mountain routes)
Fiñana
Abla
Ohanes

What this means on the ground

With expected accumulations measured in centimetres, the main issue is not dramatic snowfall but road safety: wet surfaces can quickly turn slick at altitude when temperatures drop, and visibility can deteriorate fast in exposed sections of mountain road.

If you need to drive inland late Monday, plan for slower travel and check conditions before you set off.
Avoid unnecessary mountain routes after dark if temperatures are dropping.
Keep an eye on local updates if you live in or travel through higher parts of Almanzora and Los Vélez.

While Storm Francis is more widely associated with rain and unsettled conditions across the province, this inland snow risk is a reminder that the same system can bring very different weather depending on altitude and exposure.

For practical updates and local guidance across the province, browse the latest posts in our Community section.

Community

Albox sets out key projects for 2026 as new municipal budget takes effect

Published January 6, 2026 | Category: Community

TL;DR: The 2026 municipal budget for Albox is now in force, setting out a series of local projects planned for the year ahead. Around €1 million is earmarked for investments including new public facilities, road access improvements and upgrades across several neighbourhoods.

Albox outlines major local projects as 2026 municipal budget comes into force

The municipal budget for Albox officially came into effect on January 1, 2026, defining the financial framework for the year ahead and confirming a number of projects planned across the town and its surrounding districts.

The total budget for 2026 amounts to just under €12 million, with close to €1 million allocated to direct investments. Among the most significant projects scheduled for development are a new residence for older residents, the future Auditorio Comarcal “Corazón del Almanzora”, and the transformation of the Avenida 28 de Febrero into a new boulevard-style public space.

The budget also includes funding for improved access to the Terdiguera industrial estate, alongside a series of smaller-scale projects in Albox’s outlying districts. Areas such as Los Segovias, Locaiba, La Aljambra and Llano de los Olleres are expected to see upgrades including new social buildings, public squares and family-friendly spaces.

In addition to physical infrastructure, the 2026 budget reflects increased funding for local community initiatives and cultural life. Allocations for sports clubs, cultural associations and local events have been maintained or expanded, while programmes aimed at active ageing and public participation are set to receive additional resources during the year.

Public safety and everyday services also feature in the planning for 2026. Measures include investment in video surveillance systems, staffing and equipment for the local police force, and a pavement improvement plan with a dedicated allocation of €150,000 for streets, squares and public spaces.

With the new budget now in force, the coming months will see how these plans translate into visible changes on the ground for residents and visitors alike, as projects move from planning into execution throughout Albox.

Looking for local updates and everyday life across the province? Find more stories in our Community section.

Community

Hailstorm hits Adra on Three Kings’ Day as Storm Francis brings more unstable weather

Published January 6, 2026 | Category: Community

TL;DR: A sudden hailstorm hit Adra on Three Kings’ Day afternoon, briefly whitening parts of the town and the A-7 near Guainos. Traffic slowed as hail accumulated on the road surface, with Storm Francis still driving unstable conditions across Almeria province.

Hailstorm hits Adra on Three Kings’ Day as Storm Francis keeps conditions unstable

Residents in Adra got an unexpected taste of winter on the afternoon of January 6, when rain briefly turned into a sharp hailstorm around 16:00. The burst of ice pellets quickly coated streets and parked vehicles in parts of the town, while drivers on the A-7 near Guainos reported difficult conditions as the roadway turned white.

The hail episode appears to be part of the same unstable pattern linked to Storm Francis, which has brought unusually cold air, showers and snow to higher ground across Almeria province in recent days. Along the coast, that instability can occasionally translate into short, intense downpours — and in this case, a sudden burst of hail.

For motorists, the key risk is traction. Even a brief hailstorm can create a slippery surface that behaves like ice, especially where hail accumulates in dips or shaded sections of road. If you are travelling, it is worth checking live updates before setting off and driving cautiously if conditions change quickly.

Official weather updates and warnings are available via Spain’s state meteorological agency AEMET. For real-time incident and traffic information on major routes such as the A-7, drivers can also consult the DGT.

With overnight temperatures still low in many inland areas and showers continuing in parts of the province, brief and localised weather surprises remain possible — particularly near the coast and around mountain foothills.

Want to stay informed about local conditions and daily life across the province? Explore more updates in our Community section.

Community

Almeria remains “frozen” as Storm Francis lingers, with frost alerts and road impacts

Published January 6, 2026 | Category: Community

TL;DR: Cold conditions continue across Almeria province as Storm Francis lingers. Night-time temperatures could drop to -4°C inland, with snow still affecting higher ground. Several secondary roads remain closed or require snow chains, while yellow alerts are active for early Wednesday morning.

Almeria remains under cold conditions as Storm Francis refuses to leave

After a Three Kings’ Day marked by low temperatures and grey skies, Almeria province remains firmly under the influence of Storm Francis. While the heaviest rain has eased, cold air continues to dominate, especially overnight and in inland and mountainous areas.

According to Spain’s state meteorological agency AEMET, yellow alerts for minimum temperatures are active from Tuesday evening until Wednesday morning. In parts of the Almanzora Valley and Los Vélez, thermometers could fall as low as -4°C, with widespread frost expected.

Road closures and snow in inland areas during Storm Francis

Recent snowfall has left winter scenes in areas such as the Sierra de Gador and the Sierra de los Filabres. While the main road network across the province remains open, several secondary routes have been affected by snow and ice.

The Diputación de Almería has reported closures on a number of provincial roads, including sections of AL-5402, AL-5406 (Las Menas de Serón), and the AL-4404 near Calar Alto. Snow chains are also mandatory on the AL-3102 in the La Tetica de Bacares area. Drivers are advised to check conditions before travelling and avoid unnecessary journeys in affected zones.

Some local access restrictions have also been reported. In Pechina, the Ayuntamiento de Pechina has warned that access to the Andarax river area remains closed as a precaution, particularly around El Chuche.

Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to recover only gradually. Overnight frost risk will persist during the early morning hours, especially away from the coast and outside larger urban centres.

Want to stay informed about local conditions and daily life across the province? Explore more updates in our Community section.