In the coming days, residents of Spain will face a sharp change in weather conditions that may affect daily life and the plans of many families. After an unusually hot spell for February, with temperatures in some regions exceeding 25 degrees, the country is set to see rain return—but not ordinary rain. Showers mixed with dust are expected, leading to the phenomenon known as “blood rain.”
According to RUSSPAIN.COM, the first rainfall is expected as early as Tuesday evening in western Galicia. The Atlantic front, replacing the subtropical anticyclone, will bring with it not only moisture but also dust swept up by southern winds. This will cause raindrops to take on a brown hue, leaving marks on cars, windows, and building facades.
Dust and thunderstorms
On Wednesday, rains will intensify in the western part of Galicia and gradually move into Asturias, the west of Castilla y León, as well as the western areas of Extremadura. In some places, the rainfall will be accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds. Winds from the south will carry large amounts of dust into the atmosphere, making the precipitation dirty and potentially causing additional inconvenience for drivers and terrace owners.
Meteorologists note that due to specific atmospheric processes the front will not be able to quickly move east. This means most of the precipitation will remain in the west of the country, while eastern regions will still experience relatively dry and warm weather for several days. Meanwhile, the Canary Islands can expect a strong calima—a dense suspension of dust in the air, which will reduce visibility and may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Temperature swings
By the end of the week, meteorologists forecast a noticeable drop in temperatures across the country. While Tuesday and Wednesday will still see temperatures above 20 degrees in the Mediterranean and northern regions, by Friday the thermometers will fall, and snowfall is possible in mountainous areas. In Galicia and northern Castilla y León, precipitation may become more frequent, with local thunderstorms expected in some places.
On Friday and over the weekend, rain could spread to much of northern Spain. At the same time, southern and eastern regions will retain relatively warm weather, though with a continued risk of new waves of dust in the air. The calima will persist in the Canary Islands through the end of the week, which may lead to flight delays and other transportation issues.
Regional impact
The impact of unusual weather phenomena will be especially noticeable for residents of Galicia, Asturias, the western areas of Castilla y León, as well as the Canary Islands. Muddy rains may complicate street cleaning and create problems for transport. Car owners and businesses with open terraces should be ready for additional cleaning costs.
According to RUSSPAIN.COM, such weather events have been observed repeatedly in Spain over recent years. In 2023, a similar situation with dusty rains led to widespread complaints about dirty facades and vehicles, and in some cities, authorities even had to temporarily restrict traffic. Calima on the Canaries is also not uncommon: in 2024, a severe sandstorm caused flight delays and worsened air quality on the islands.
Overall, such weather changes are becoming more frequent due to climate change and specific patterns of air mass circulation. Meteorologists advise monitoring forecasts and staying prepared for unexpected natural surprises, especially during transitional seasons.
