Else Beekman
Sunseekers beware: Spain’s spring is about to take a sharp turn. While the start of the week may feel like summer, the country is on the brink of a significant weather change. According to Spain’s national weather service AEMET, a ‘tren de borrascas’ – a series of Atlantic storms – will sweep across the country starting Wednesday.
Western and southern regions are expected to be hit hardest. So, what does this mean for your travel plans or life in Spain?
From spring sunshine to storm front in 48 hours
After weeks of rain, much of Spain had started to enjoy a period of calm. Pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and a strong high-pressure system over the north of the Iberian Peninsula brought a taste of early summer. But that was just the calm before the storm – quite literally. By Wednesday afternoon, Galicia will be the first to face a powerful low-pressure system arriving via Portugal.
Western Spain first in the firing line
Extremadura and western Andalucia will bear the brunt initially, with over 40mm of rain expected to fall in just a few hours. Strong south-westerly winds could add to the disruption, particularly along the coast, where outdoor activities may be affected. AEMET has already issued yellow warnings for several provinces.
Rain spreading East and North
What makes this storm different? It won’t come alone. It’s the start of a sequence of Atlantic fronts, arriving one after the other – hence the term storm train. Rain will gradually move eastwards throughout Wednesday, with the Valencian Community, the Balearic Islands, and parts of Catalonia all likely to see showers. Madrid, Aragón, and Castilla-La Mancha won’t be spared either.
Spring temperatures on a rollercoaster
Just like you’d expect from a typical Spanish spring, temperatures are set to swing wildly this week. The week kicks off with very mild conditions. This is especially in eastern regions, where daytime highs may exceed 25°C in some spots. But from Wednesday, a push of colder air over the Mediterranean will bring a noticeable drop in temperatures there.
By Thursday, as Atlantic fronts begin to move in from the west, cooler conditions will also be felt across inland areas and the western half of the country. Despite these cold snaps, spring is clearly in the air – and warmer days will still make an appearance in between the storms. The bad news? This isn’t a one-off. Meteorologists warn that the unstable conditions could continue well into next week.
Even the Canary Islands, which enjoyed a brief lull on Monday, are likely to see renewed rainfall – especially on the western isles.
What does this mean for you?
If you’re living in or travelling around Spain, keep a close eye on local forecasts. This is classic spring weather, where a sunny morning can quickly turn into a stormy afternoon. AEMET’s warnings can be followed via their official website and apps.