With just two days left before the anticipated solar eclipse, Spain is forecast to have stable, intensely hot weather on August 12. Cloud cover across the Cantabrian region and the Pyrenees, as well as the northern Canary Islands and eastern mountain areas, could complicate viewing in several parts of the country. The latest update from the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) flags these potential obstacles for skywatchers.
Aemet spokesperson Rubén del Campo said most of Spain will see clear skies, while persistent clouds are likely along the Cantabrian coast and parts of Galicia’s shoreline. The northern Canary Islands and southern Mediterranean coast of Andalusia are also at risk. Cloud formations are expected to develop over the northern and eastern mountain ranges, with isolated storms or showers possible in the eastern Pyrenees and Teruel’s Iberian system. The risk also extends to eastern Castilla-La Mancha and the eastern Béticos. No impressive rainfall is expected elsewhere, and only Murcia faces a yellow-level storm warning, the lowest on the scale.
For those planning to observe the eclipse, persistent low clouds are likely to make the Cantabrian coast and the Canary Islands the most challenging locations, especially along the coastlines. By contrast, clouds are expected to develop after midday in the Pyrenees and eastern mountains, then dissipate by late afternoon, potentially allowing intermittent views of the sun. Saharan dust (calima) is also forecast over the Alborán Sea and southernmost Andalusia, as well as Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. It may reduce visibility, but is not expected to block the eclipse entirely.
The August 12 event is a total solar eclipse, with its narrow path of totality crossing parts of Spain, Greenland and Iceland. Locations outside that corridor will see a partial eclipse, even under clear skies: local weather determines whether the event is visible, while the observer’s location determines whether it is total or partial. Spain’s position in the path makes precise site selection impressive, particularly for viewers weighing cloud forecasts against travel plans. The country is also due to experience another total solar eclipse in 2027, bringing the two-year period into focus for eclipse tourism and public observation.
Temperatures will climb across most of Spain. Mediterranean cities such as Palma and Málaga are expected to start the day above 25°C. Afternoon highs will exceed 36°C in many areas, except for coastal zones, and could surpass 38-40°C in the northeast, basic and southern regions, as well as Mallorca. Temperatures above 40°C are possible in the Ebro and Tajo valleys, and in the Guadiana and Guadalquivir valleys. By the time the eclipse occurs, temperatures are expected to fall by 2-5°C from their peak, depending on the region. Unlike longer morning eclipses, but, this event will have little effect on temperatures: it will last just over a minute and occur at sunset, when solar heating is already waning.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the extremely high wildfire risk across much of Spain. The risk is especially high in inland Galicia, Castilla y León, northern Aragón and Catalonia, as well as isolated areas in the southern half of the country. Del Campo urges anyone heading outdoors to watch the eclipse to take care. Under these conditions, he warns, any fire outbreak could be difficult to control.
As Spain prepares for the eclipse, local authorities and emergency services are on alert. Their preparations echo the extensive planning in Catalonia, where officials expect a surge of visitors and have implemented special security and mobility measures. With high temperatures and fire risk coinciding with cloud cover, residents and tourists should stay informed and take precautions during the event.
Aemet’s operational services provide forecasts and station-level observations. Its Meteoalerta warnings cover adverse weather threats for up to 72 hours and are updated as conditions develop. Checking conditions for the intended viewing area matters where mountain and coastal weather can vary over short distances. Forecasts describe expected conditions, while station observations report measurements from specific locations.
Solar eclipses are rare in Spain, and visibility depends heavily on local weather. The Cantabrian and Canary regions often experience persistent cloud cover because of their geography, while Saharan dust events are common in the south and islands. Murcia’s yellow-level storm warning is the lowest alert, but authorities advise vigilance. Prolonged heat and dry conditions heighten wildfire risk, making fire prevention a priority during outdoor activities. Because the eclipse is brief and occurs late in the day, it will not cause the rapid temperature drops seen during longer, midday events. Residents are advised to monitor updates from Aemet and local authorities for the latest safety guidance.
