Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s summer skies are once again showing signs of drama, as extreme contrasts in weather patterns take hold across the country. According to young meteorologist Jorge Rey, August is likely to kick off with a volatile mix of heavy storms in the north and searing heat in the south – a weather divide that could define the month ahead.
Rey, who rose to national attention after correctly predicting the devastating Filomena snowstorm, has warned of a turbulent start to August – particularly around the 2nd and 3rd. He expects northern Spain to bear the brunt of a fresh wave of electrical storms and possibly hail, triggered by cooler air sweeping down from the higher latitudes. Temperatures in the north, he says, may drop sharply at night, forcing residents to reach for jackets even in the height of summer.
Meanwhile, down south, it’s a different story entirely. With hot air masses pushing up from North Africa, parts of Andalucía, Murcia, and Extremadura could see temperatures soar past 40°C once again. It’s a weather pattern that has already made this summer one of intense regional contrasts – and one that looks set to intensify.
Who is Jorge Rey – and why do people listen?
At just 18, Jorge Rey has become something of a folk forecasting phenomenon. Based in Burgos, the young weather watcher blends modern observations with an old-school tradition known as las cabañuelas – a centuries-old method of reading nature’s signs to predict long-term weather patterns. Though dismissed by the scientific community, this system remains popular in parts of rural Spain and Latin America.
Rey uses this ancestral system – which interprets the behaviour of clouds, winds, animals, and even dew patterns – to offer early forecasts. The first 24 days of August, according to cabañuelas logic, act as a coded forecast for the entire year ahead. Each day symbolises a different month, counting forward to the 12th and then backwards from the 13th.
Official weather models back up the chaos
Spain’s national meteorological agency Aemet has echoed Rey’s warnings, noting instability and significant contrasts between the regions. Their forecasts for early August include dry electrical storms in parts of the north and isolated downpours, adding to the risk of wildfires in dry areas.
While Rey’s methods may lack scientific backing, this time, both traditional and official models appear to agree: Spain is in for a chaotic and unpredictable start to the month.
Expect the unexpected
With wild temperature swings, heavy storms, and searing southern heat all on the cards, August in Spain is shaping up to be anything but boring. Whether you’re packing a raincoat or sunscreen – or both – be ready for weather that keeps changing its mind.
Source: ABC