Lorraine Williamson
Spain is heading into a sharp spring weather contrast today, with near-summer temperatures in many areas but storms, hail, and strong gusts threatening parts of the northeast. AEMET’s national forecast for 20 April points to unusually high temperatures for the time of year across much of the peninsula, while also warning of unstable conditions in the Ebro valley, Navarra, the Iberian system, and the Pyrenees.
The broad picture is one of heat first, disruption second. Much of Spain is seeing temperatures well above the late-April norm, with the warmest areas in the south likely to reach the low-to-mid 30s. International weather reporting, says cities such as Madrid and Seville could run around 9 to 10 degrees above average, with highs up to 34°C, driven by warm south-westerly air from North Africa.
Storms, hail and strong gusts in the northeast
While much of the country stays warm and relatively settled, the northeast is the area to watch most closely this afternoon and evening.
RTVE, citing AEMET, says storms are expected in the Ebro valley, Navarra, the Iberian system and the Pyrenees, with the risk of hail and very strong gusts. AEMET’s warnings page also shows yellow alerts for rain and storms in parts of Barcelona, Girona and Huesca today, including one-hour rainfall accumulations of up to 20mm in parts of Catalonia.
For drivers, rail passengers and anyone travelling through the northeast, the combination of heat, electrical storms and sudden downpours could make conditions change quickly over a short period.
Calima and heat in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are facing a different set of conditions.
AEMET’s forecast highlights calima in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, while its warning system has also flagged reduced visibility in parts of Gran Canaria and Tenerife linked to Saharan dust. At the same time, temperatures remain unusually high for April, although RTVE says the islands should see a notable temperature drop compared with previous days in some areas.
The practical issue is not just heat but air quality and visibility. Dust in suspension can affect roads, outdoor activity and people with respiratory conditions, especially when it combines with warm, dry air.
A week starting with summer-like temperatures
The early part of this week now looks set to feel far more like June than April in several parts of Spain.
AEMET-linked reporting says the country is under the influence of a subtropical air mass, which is keeping temperatures “very above normal” for the season. El País reports that much of Spain will exceed 25 °C today, while parts of the south could reach 34 °C.
That warmer pattern is expected to continue into the week, even if unstable conditions briefly return in some areas. The result is a weather map that looks split in two: summer-like heat over much of the country, but localised storms capable of disrupting the northeast.
What travellers and residents should watch today
For most of Spain, the main issue is the heat. For the northeast, it is the risk of afternoon storms. For the Canary Islands, it is dust, visibility and unusually warm conditions.
That means the practical advice is fairly simple: check local AEMET warnings before setting off, especially if you are travelling through Catalonia, Aragón, Navarra or mountain areas, and be prepared for very different conditions depending on where you are. In one part of Spain, it will feel like early summer. In another, the day could end with hail and strong gusts.