Lorraine Williamson
After weeks of lingering summer warmth, Spain is set to feel the first real touch of autumn this weekend. From Saturday, an Atlantic trough will drive wet and windy conditions across much of the country, breaking the long stretch of settled weather. Meteorologist Mario Picazo, who first flagged the change earlier in the week, says the shift will bring cooler air, widespread showers, and strong gusts—particularly in the north and northwest.
A deep Atlantic front will move west to east on Saturday, dragging heavy rain into northern and mountain areas. The Cantabrian coast and western Pyrenees face the heaviest downpours, with storms lingering into the evening. Thunderstorms are also likely in the Alto Ebro basin and along the Iberian mountain range, where sudden wind gusts may add to the disruption. While the south and Canary Islands will stay mostly dry and warm, even these regions could see unsettled spells as the front moves through.
Nine regions under AEMET alerts
Spain’s national weather agency AEMET has issued alerts for nine autonomous communities. Yellow warnings for rain and thunderstorms are in place for Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and León, the Basque Country, and La Rioja. Aragon and Navarre face orange-level alerts, signalling a higher risk of intense rainfall and electrical storms. Forecasters warn that the strongest activity will strike on Saturday afternoon and continue into the night.
Cooler days but sticky Mediterranean nights
Temperatures will tumble across the northwest as the front passes, marking the season’s first real cool-down. However, the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro Valley, and the southwest will cling to summer warmth, with muggy overnight lows above 20 °C. The Canary Islands remain in a different league altogether, holding night-time temperatures above 25 °C despite the approaching autumn.
Winds shift as the front advances
Alongside the rain, shifting winds will add to the unsettled feel. Easterlies will dominate the south and southern Balearics early on Saturday, bringing strong gusts through the Strait of Gibraltar, before veering westerly later in the day. The Cantabrian coast will see persistent westerlies, while the Mediterranean hangs on to an easterly flow. In the Canaries, the breeze will swing between east and northeast, maintaining the islands’ warm, humid air.
A clear sign that summer is over
This weekend’s storm system signals the seasonal change many Spaniards have been expecting. After a long, dry summer, the arrival of cooler Atlantic air marks the beginning of autumn’s unpredictable weather—bringing relief from the heat for some, and a reminder for all to prepare for wetter, windier weeks ahead.
Source: La Razon