Lorraine Williamson
An Atlantic front has ushered in an unseasonably cool and unsettled start to May across most of Spain. The national weather agency AEMET reports that storm alerts remain in effect, particularly in central and southern regions, where cooler temperatures are most noticeable.
Northern areas are somewhat milder but still impacted.
Weather alerts and strong winds continue
The first few days of May brought heavy rainfall, strong gusts and even hail in some areas, prompting orange weather alerts. AEMET expects these conditions to persist for several more days.
Another Atlantic front moved in on yesterday, bringing fresh rain and stormy showers. The heaviest precipitation is forecast for the north and northwest, with lighter rain expected inland. The Pyrenees and Balearic Islands may also see showers, some possibly accompanied by Saharan dust.
Mixed temperatures and localised heat
Although the general trend is cooler, some areas may still see brief warm spells. Cities such as Murcia and Lleida could reach 30°C. Elsewhere, particularly in the northeast interior and southwest, temperatures will remain subdued.
Strong winds are expected to continue, especially in Galicia, western Andalucia and the Pyrenees. Southerly gusts may create hazardous conditions in mountain regions.
Weekend brings partial relief
By Sunday, a high-pressure system will settle over the south and east of Spain, leading to more stable weather. However, rain is still expected in the north and northwest. Showers may persist but will be more scattered.
Unstable Start to the Week
Monday will mark a return to instability, especially in the north. Northern Catalonia and the Cantabrian coast are likely to experience heavy downpours. Further south, showers may develop in mountain areas.
Tuesday is expected to offer some relief, with fewer showers and increased sunshine in central and southern Spain. Northern areas may still receive occasional rain.
Outlook for Mid-May
Forecasts for the week of 12 to 18 May suggest conditions will remain cooler and wetter than average, especially in central and southern Spain. The far north may experience slightly warmer temperatures. Beyond that, uncertainty increases, particularly around precipitation patterns.
AEMET has not yet identified a clear return to typical spring conditions. Weather models show fluctuating conditions continuing into the second half of the month.
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