Lorraine Williamson
Spain is heading into a more unsettled Monday, with thunderstorms and locally heavy rain expected across several parts of the country as the weather changes following another spell of summer heat. AEMET has activated weather warnings for Monday 24 August, with the risk varying considerably between regions as instability develops during the day.
Conditions will not deteriorate everywhere at the same time. Much of the morning should remain relatively settled in several areas before cloud builds and showers and thunderstorms become more widespread later in the day.
Some storms could be locally intense, bringing sudden heavy downpours, hail and strong or very strong gusts of wind. As is often the case with summer thunderstorms, conditions may differ sharply over relatively short distances.
Eastern Spain faces another unsettled afternoon
The Mediterranean side of the peninsula is among the areas worth watching closely on Monday, particularly after the destructive storms that affected Valencia province last week.
AEMET’s forecasts indicate increasing instability during the day in parts of eastern and north-eastern Spain. Barcelona, for example, is forecast to see thunderstorms during Monday afternoon, with the probability of precipitation reaching 100% during part of the day.
AEMET – forecast for Barcelona:
Heavy showers are also expected in parts of Girona province during Monday afternoon. The precise location and intensity of summer storms can change quickly, making the latest local forecasts particularly important for anyone travelling or spending time outdoors.
Rain also expected in northern and western Spain
The unsettled conditions will not be confined to the Mediterranean. Parts of Galicia are also forecast to experience showers, with AEMET’s coastal forecast for Vigo showing rain and potentially heavy showers during Monday.
AEMET – official Spain forecast:
The changing weather pattern will also bring variations in temperature. While some areas remain hot, cloud, rainfall and changing air masses will bring cooler conditions elsewhere following the prolonged heat experienced across Spain during August.
The change comes after several days of volatile weather. Valencia province was hit by exceptionally powerful thunderstorms on Thursday, when a wind gust of 149 km/h was recorded at Sumacàrcer and trees and buildings were damaged across parts of La Ribera.
Check warnings before travelling
Anyone travelling on Monday should check the latest AEMET warnings before setting out, particularly where thunderstorms are forecast.
Heavy summer downpours can cause water to accumulate quickly on roads and in low-lying areas, while thunderstorms can also produce sudden strong winds and hail.
AEMET updates its warning system as conditions and forecasts develop, so warning levels may change overnight or during Monday.