After a spell of unsettled weather earlier in November, Spain is bracing for heavy rain and cold due to a significant storm system expected to impact several regions between Wednesday and Friday.
Meteorologists from Meteored predict heavy rainfall exceeding 50 litres per square metre, snowfall in key mountain ranges, and strong winds in various parts of the country. “Between Wednesday and Friday a storm will leave more than 50 litres per m2, snow and strong winds in several autonomous communities”, the weather channel says on X (former Twitter).
Changing atmospheric conditions in Spain
The recent spell of adverse weather on the Mediterranean coast and parts of Andalucia will be replaced by a transient period of stability as the Azores High briefly takes hold. However, this calm will not last. By Tuesday evening, a cold front will arrive from the north, ushering in a period of atmospheric instability. This marks the onset of a cyclogenesis event—a rapidly developing low-pressure system—that will drive severe weather conditions across much of northern and central Spain.
Entre el miércoles y el viernes una borrasca 🌀 dejará más de 50 l/m2, nieve ❄️ y vientos fuertes en varias comunidades.
🗞️ Aquí el análisis de Sergio Escama:https://t.co/BTG7pJp6Pp pic.twitter.com/U5708hBSP6
— Meteored | tiempo.com (@MeteoredES) November 17, 2024
Regions to expect torrential rain
Heavy rainfall will focus on Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Navarra, and parts of the western Pyrenees. According to estimations from meteorologists based on some weather models, they expect rainfall totals to surpass 50 litres per square metre. Some areas, especially in the eastern Cantabrian region and northern Navarra, could see accumulations of over 90 litres. Localised flooding may occur, particularly on Thursday when a second, more active front sweeps through.
Cold and snowfall to transform northern mountain ranges
Snowfall is forecast to be significant in the Cantabrian Mountains and the Pyrenees. In high-altitude areas of Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country, snow depths could reach 10–15 centimetres. Meanwhile, the Pyrenees may see accumulations exceeding 25 centimetres. In some regions near the French border, snow depths could exceed half a metre, especially above 1,500 metres.
Strong winds to lash exposed areas
The storm system will also bring powerful winds. Gusts likely will exceed 100 km/h in exposed areas such as Galicia, the Cantabrian coast and the Iberian System. Furthermore, the same is true for parts of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Maritime conditions will also be hazardous, particularly along northern coasts.
Looking ahead
Weather experts expect the unsettled weather to ease by the weekend as a ridge of high pressure builds over the peninsula. Until then, residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in regions forecasted to experience the worst of the storm