As a winter storm brings unusual snowfall to parts of Europe, a surprising weather phenomenon is unfolding: temperatures in northern Sweden are currently warmer than those in Barcelona, Spain.Meteorologists are reporting unusually mild conditions in the Arctic region, including Svalbard, while the Iberian Peninsula experiences a notable cold snap [[1]]. This temperature inversion is creating atypical conditions for late December, impacting travel and holiday plans across the continent.
Published December 23, 2025, 10:56 PM
Warmer in Boden than in Barcelona?
That’s actually how it looks.
“It’s cold over Western Europe right now,” said meteorologist Lasse Rydqvist.
Those hoping for Spanish sunshine over the holidays are likely to be disappointed. The weather across Southwestern Europe isn’t looking like a typical vacation spot, but rather quite chilly for the time of year.
“It’s cold over the Iberian Peninsula at the same time as it’s really warm in the north. For example, it’s been unusually warm in Svalbard,” said Lasse Rydqvist, a meteorologist with Klart.
That means the temperature will be around 7 degrees Celsius in both Boden and Barcelona—perhaps even a degree warmer in Boden.
“Yes, it’s likely to be below 7 degrees in northern Spain.”
