Aemet has raised the weather alert to orange in A Coruña and central Lugo. Up to 30 liters of rain per square meter could fall in one hour. The risk includes hail and intense electrical activity.
The Spanish meteorological agency Aemet has escalated weather warnings to orange for the province of A Coruña and central Lugo, citing the risk of exceptionally heavy storms this weekend. Forecasts indicate that rainfall could reach 30 liters per square meter within just one hour, particularly between 16:00 and 23:59. The alert comes as a cold upper-level depression, known as a dana, settles off Galicia’s western coast, creating a sharp contrast in weather patterns across Spain.
While much of the peninsula braces for a surge of subtropical heat driven by southerly winds from North Africa, Galicia faces the opposite scenario. Here, the influx of cold air at high altitudes, combined with Atlantic humidity and daytime warming, is fueling rapid cloud development and intense convective storms. According to Aemet, these conditions are especially favorable for organized thunderstorms to form along the coast and move inland, a pattern less typical for the region.
The most acute risk is centered on A Coruña, where the interaction of oceanic moisture, cold upper air, and surface warmth is expected to trigger severe downpours, hail, and frequent lightning. Central Lugo is also under orange alert, while the rest of Galicia remains at yellow level, with expected rainfall of up to 15 liters per square meter in an hour. The agency warns that the volume and intensity of precipitation could lead to localized flooding and hazardous conditions, particularly in urban and low-lying areas.
On Sunday, the unstable atmosphere is set to persist, with alternating clouds and clear spells. Afternoon storm clouds are likely to redevelop, especially in Lugo, though no further alerts have been issued for now. A notable drop in temperatures is forecast, bringing relief from the recent persistent heat in Galicia’s interior. The unsettled weather is expected to continue into the following week, with Aemet’s outlook pointing to wetter-than-average conditions for Galicia. Temperatures should remain above normal in the north but are predicted to be average in the south of the region.
This episode highlights the unpredictable nature of Spain’s weather, where rapid shifts between heatwaves and storms are becoming more common. Recent studies have also drawn attention to how such extremes impact daily life, with disparities in heat protection measures across regions. For example, a recent report on Barcelona revealed significant inequalities in access to air conditioning during heatwaves, underscoring the broader challenges posed by climate volatility.
Galicia’s current situation serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to sudden weather changes. The combination of Atlantic influences and upper-level atmospheric disturbances often brings abrupt shifts from dry spells to intense rainfall. Local authorities advise residents to stay informed of updates from Aemet and to take precautions during periods of heavy rain, especially in areas prone to flooding. As climate patterns continue to fluctuate, the ability to respond quickly to weather alerts is increasingly vital for communities across Spain.
