Else Beekman
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) warns for severe storms set to affect northern Spain on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July. A DANA (isolated depression at high altitude) will enter the peninsula from the northwest, triggering intense showers, large hail, and strong gusts of wind.
Meteorologists warn that while uncertainty remains about the precise areas most affected, the northern half of Spain is at the greatest risk.
Severe storms forecast
From midday on Friday, DANA storms are expected to form around the Cantabrian Mountains and the Iberian System, later moving north and northeast. AEMET has identified several “zones of potential adversity” where conditions could be particularly severe. These include the eastern Cantabrian region, Navarra, Aragón, and, with a lower probability, parts of northern Castilla y León and La Rioja. In these areas, hailstones exceeding 2 centimetres in diameter and downpours of 30–40 mm per hour are possible.
Storms may regenerate and drift slowly, leading to locally persistent rainfall. Though less intense, weather experts also forecast significant showers for northern Catalonia and the western Cantabrian coast.
Heaviest rain and storms for Catalonia on Saturday
On Saturday, the DANA is likely to shift further east, increasing instability in the northeastern quadrant. Aragón, especially its northern half during the first part of the day, and Catalonia will probably have the heaviest rain and storms. There remains a chance of intense weather in northern Valencia, Navarra, and La Rioja, particularly in the early hours. Showers may also appear along the Cantabrian Mountains, although meteorologists expect these to be scattered and moderate.
Temperature drop and outlook
The passage of the DANA will bring a notable drop in temperatures as cold air masses and thick cloud cover develop. People will feel the cooling across western Spain on Friday and in the east on Saturday. Only the Mediterranean coastal areas are likely to see little change. Temperatures will return to normal or even slightly below average for this time of year.
On Sunday 13 July, the most probable scenario is that the DANA will leave the peninsula, giving way to an Atlantic ridge that should stabilise conditions and mark the end of the episode.
The advise for readers is to stay updated on local forecasts and heed any official warnings.
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