Severe Storms: Impacted Areas & Forecast

Spain Braces for Intense Storms After Record-Breaking Heat Wave

Spain is shifting from extreme heat to severe weather as an isolated depression in high levels – a DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) – moves across the Iberian Peninsula. The dramatic change comes after weeks of scorching temperatures that recently marked a ancient record, raising concerns about the escalating impact of climate change.

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued warnings for numerous regions, anticipating heavy rainfall, localized flooding, and challenging conditions. Its exact trajectory remains somewhat uncertain. Forecasters predict the heaviest rainfall will be concentrated in specific areas, with the potential for localized flooding.

Storms Target Eastern and Northern Spain

According to Aemet forecasts, showers and storms will become more frequent throughout Monday afternoon, intensifying particularly in the Pyrenees region. Aragon (especially Teruel), catalonia (specifically Girona and Lleida), and the northern part of the Valencian Community (Castellón) are also expected to experience significant rainfall.The Balearic Islands are bracing for locally strong episodes,potentially accompanied by lightning. Scattered storms are also possible across the interior of the peninsula, with particular attention focused on the western Cantabrian coast and the Strait of Gibraltar, where cloud formations could produce heavy downpours.

Fog, Calima, and Shifting Winds

The start of the day is elaborate by morning fog banks in Galicia, the Cantabrian region, the Alto Ebro valley, the Strait of gibraltar, and parts of the eastern Iberian Peninsula, potentially impacting road visibility. Throughout the day, cloud cover will expand across much of eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands, moving from south to north. Adding to the atmospheric challenges, Calima – airborne dust from the Sahara – is present in the Alborán Sea, southeastern Spain, and the Balearic Islands, reducing visibility and depositing particles on surfaces.

Canary Islands Remain Relatively Calm

While the peninsula contends with storms, the Canary Islands will experience a more tranquil weather pattern, with mostly clear skies and only a few high clouds. Northern parts of the islands may see cloudy intervals with light rain, but this is not expected to be significant. Temperatures will decrease in the Canary Islands, accompanied by moderate to strong Alisios winds in exposed areas.

Temperature Contrasts and Nighttime Heat

Aemet forecasts an increase in maximum temperatures in the southwest and northeast quadrants of the peninsula. This means temperatures in the valleys of the Guadalquivir, Guadiana, Tajo, and Ebro rivers could easily exceed 35 degrees Celsius, creating a stark contrast with areas experiencing storms. Minimum temperatures in mediterranean cities, the Ebro Valley, and much of southern Spain will remain above 20 degrees Celsius, resulting in uncomfortably warm nights.

Winds will generally blow across the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, with greater intensity along the coastlines. Galicia will experience winds from the northwest,while southern regions will be dominated by southerly winds. Moderate Levante gusts are expected in the eastern mediterranean, and variable winds are forecast for the Alborán Sea due to the influence of the DANA.

Aemet emphasizes that predicting the evolution of a DANA is challenging, as it depends on its interaction with the broader atmospheric circulation. Currently, the greatest instability is expected to concentrate in eastern and northeastern Spain, with storm episodes capable of delivering intense rainfall in a short period.

The DANA episode is already underway and is expected to intensify in the coming hours. Meteorologists will continue to update forecasts as the atmospheric situation evolves.