Else Beekman
An Atlantic storm near the British Isles will bring rain to part of the peninsula for most of this week. According to meteorologists’ calculations, nine regions will experience heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas along the coast. In only a few areas in Spain can people enjoy pleasant temperatures and sun.
This is evident from a warning issued by the Spanish Meteorological Service (AEMET) in the regions of Aragon, Asturias, Cantabria, Catalonia, Andalucia, Galicia, Navarra, the Canary Islands and the Valencian Community. The Atlantic storm brings colder air at high altitudes. This causes a pronounced thermal drop in maximum temperatures. This cold air will also lower snow limits. The mountains of the northern part of the peninsula and the Pyrenees in particular will experience snow.
Rain and strong wind
Eltiempo.es also reports in the latest update that there will be rain showers that will leave up to 20 litres per square metre of precipitation within the time frame of one hour. In some areas such as Navarra or Aragon this can amount to up to 40 litres within 12 hours. Heavy rain is also forecast for Catalonia, especially the northern part in the provinces of Lleida and Girona. Showers will continue to arrive in the north of Spain until the weekend. The most litres of precipitation are expected to fall in northern Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Navarra, La Rioja and northern Aragon and Catalonia. In the last two regions it could exceed 100 mm. The north of the Valencia region will also experience showers. Unfortunately, the dry south of Spain cannot count on rain. Click here to view the eltiempo rainfall radar.
Temperature drop
By Tuesday, the drop in maximum temperatures will already be pronounced in large parts of the interior of the peninsula. In regions such as the interior of the Basque Country, Navarra, La Rioja, southern Castilla y León and the Tagus and Guadiana valleys, the drop could range from 8ºC to 10ºC. Despite this, very high maximum temperatures are still expected in the south-east of the peninsula on Tuesday, with possible maximums of 30ºC in some areas of Murcia, Alicante or Almería. Temperatures will continue to drop between Wednesday and Thursday, albeit more mildly.
Current forecasts indicate temperatures will remain stable by the end of the week. Until then, few areas will exceed 25ºC. In the northern half the mercury can even remain below 20ºC. It will most likely become warmer again from the weekend in the areas mentioned.
Lots of wind and high waves
Almost all coastal areas of the country will experience strong gusts of wind and a maritime storm that will cause waves up to five metres high. Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria in particular are affected by this. In other areas, such as Almería or Granada, the waves will be less high by three metres.
The Canary Islands will also not escape the unusual weather conditions in the coming days. Gusts will vary between 50 and over 60 km/h, especially Gran Canaria and Tenerife will be hit by strong winds.
The storm is expected to move through the week, although precipitation will remain scattered and continue, especially in the north, throughout the coming weekend. The rain may even reach Mediterranean areas such as the Valencian Community, where temperatures will also experience drastic changes in the coming days.