Winter has arrived to Malaga province amid a sharp drop in temperatures, widespread rainfall and the first significant snowfall of the season in the mountains.
Snow has settled on the upper reaches of La Maroma and the Sierra de las Nieves, turning the highest peaks white while steady rain fell across much of the coast and inland areas over the weekend.
The rainfall was widely welcomed after months of persistent drought.
The weather unfolded largely as forecast by state weather agency Aemet, which kept a yellow weather warning in place for the Axarquia due to the intensity of the downpours.
The rain was linked to a low-pressure system affecting much of Spain.
According to data from the Hidrosur monitoring network, rainfall totals over the past 24 hours were particularly valuable for agriculture and water reserves.
Reservoir levels have already responded, with water reserves rising by around one hectometre across the province over the past week. The most notable improvement has been at La Viñuela reservoir, which has increased from 70.27 to 72.24 hectometres cubed.
The unsettled weather also caused mobility issues in some areas. In Fuengirola, two streams overflowed in the Torreblanca del Sol area, flooding parts of the Paseo Marítimo Rey de España – a recurring problem during heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, Santa Amalia beach has suffered noticeable sand loss, which is now being assessed by municipal technicians.
The wintry conditions are expected to persist throughout Christmas week. The probability of rain on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day remains between 50% and 55%.
