Another Atlantic storm is approaching Spain from the west and is expected to affect the country on Wednesday and Thursday. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) warns that the northwest, especially Galicia and Asturias, will see the heaviest rain and thunderstorms, while temperatures will vary sharply between the east and west.
On Tuesday, attention shifted from the eastern regions, which had just endured violent storms and hail in Catalonia and Aragón, to the northwest. In Tarragona, hailstones reached up to nine centimeters in diameter, causing widespread damage: trees were uprooted and homes flooded, while transport was disrupted. The capital saw over 77 liters of rain per square meter in 24 hours, along with sudden temperature drops and strong wind gusts. In Cerler (Huesca), storm-driven winds reached 109 km/h.
While the Mediterranean coast and Balearic Islands enjoyed stable weather and high temperatures, the northwest braced for worsening conditions. Aemet forecasts locally strong showers and storms in Asturias and northeast Galicia, with up to 15 liters of rain per square meter in just one hour. Maximum temperatures are expected to drop sharply in Galicia and along the Cantabrian coast, falling by at least six degrees in some areas. The Mediterranean and Andalusia could see highs above 35°C. Minimum temperatures will generally decrease, except along the Mediterranean coast, where warm sea temperatures will keep nights mild. The risk of wildfires remains very high in the eastern interior and eastern Catalonia. It is also very high in the Balearic Islands.
By Wednesday, the storm system northwest of Galicia will intensify, sending a cold front across much of Spain. It will bring persistent rain and thunderstorms, especially to western Galicia, with accumulations of up to 40 liters per square meter in 12 hours. Strong winds are expected in the northern mountains and the northern plateau. Maximum temperatures will rise notably in the Ebro valley and eastern Cantabria, with the Balearic Islands also seeing an increase. Highs will exceed 35°C in some inland areas. The sharp temperature contrast and advancing front could trigger intense wind shifts, known as galernas, along the Cantabrian coast later in the day. Isolated showers are possible in the northern Mediterranean, and Menorca is under a yellow alert for sudden sea level changes (rissagas). High temperatures and wind will temporarily worsen fire danger in central and eastern Spain.
Instability will continue on Thursday, with strong showers and storms expected in southwest Galicia and the Pyrenees by afternoon. A polar air mass moving in from the west will cause a marked drop in maximum temperatures across the interior, while the eastern third and Balearic Islands remain hot. The storm's exact position near the British Isles remains uncertain, but its associated fronts are likely to sweep across the northwest, bringing persistent, locally strong rain and storms, especially in southwest Galicia. Showers may also reach the southwest and northeast coasts. They may extend to the Balearic Islands, where afternoon storms are possible in the Pyrenees. In the Canary Islands, the tail of a front will bring moderate rain to northern mountainous areas. Maximum temperatures will fall almost everywhere except on the Mediterranean coast and in the Canary Islands, where they may hold steady or rise. Highs above 35°C are possible in the Ebro valley and Mallorca, as well as parts of the southeast. Minimum temperatures will generally drop inland, with some rises in the southwest and Balearic Islands. Strong wind gusts are likely in northern mountain areas.
Recent weeks have brought a series of unusual summer storms across Spain, with rapid shifts between heat and severe weather. As noted in a previous report on storm impacts, these patterns have disrupted transport and damaged infrastructure, while heightening wildfire risks, especially in regions already vulnerable to extreme weather.
Spain's varied geography means weather impacts can differ sharply over short distances. Atlantic fronts typically bring rain and cooler air to the northwest, while the Mediterranean coast often remains hot and dry. Authorities continue to monitor the developing situation and urge residents in affected areas to watch for official warnings. They should take precautions against flooding and wind damage, as well as fire hazards. Local infrastructure and emergency services face another episode of volatile summer weather in the coming days.
