Spain faces a turbulent start to the week as a storm system over Portugal moves across the western peninsula, bringing widespread rainfall and a marked drop in temperatures. The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET), Spain’s national meteorological service, forecasts unstable weather across much of the country on Monday. The most severe conditions are expected in the northwest and northeast, with the Balearic Islands also at risk. As Atlantic fronts advance eastward, they can bring cooler, more unsettled conditions, though timing and effects will vary by region.
Western regions will see persistent, locally intense rain as the storm’s fronts move eastward. The northeast and Balearic Islands face strong or very strong thunderstorms, with a risk of damaging winds and large hail. Tornadoes cannot be ruled out in some areas. The southeast and parts of the central peninsula are likely to avoid the worst weather, with clearer skies in the forecast. In the Canary Islands, the north will be cloudy, with light rain possible in mountainous areas.
Maximum temperatures are set to fall across most of Spain. The sharpest drops, over six degrees, are expected in the western half of the northern plateau and the Central System. Coastal areas and the Mediterranean pre-coastal regions will see little change or a slight rise; the islands are also expected to see little change or a slight rise. Despite the general cooling, temperatures may still exceed 35°C in some locations in the Ebro valley and Mallorca, while some parts of the Levante pre-coastal area may also top that mark. Minimum temperatures will rise in the eastern Cantabrian region and parts of the southwest. The Canary Islands will also see an increase, while temperatures remain stable elsewhere.
Winds will mainly come from the southwest or south, generally at moderate strength, with occasional strong gusts. Gusts exceeding 70 km/h are possible in Galicia and across the plateaus, with northern mountain areas also at risk. In the Levante and Balearic Islands, winds will shift from southeast to southwest. The Alborán coast can expect moderate westerlies, with very strong gusts possible. In the Canary Islands, northerly winds will turn northeast by the end of the day and remain moderate.
Recent weather patterns have brought similar instability to Spain, with previous storms in August already causing heavy rainfall and weather alerts in the north and east. The current system follows that pattern, a reminder of how unusual this summer’s weather has been.
Spain’s varied geography means storms can affect regions very differently. The northwest, exposed to Atlantic systems, often bears the brunt of incoming fronts. The Mediterranean coast and islands, meanwhile, can see sudden, intense storms with hail and strong winds. AEMET’s warning system organizes alerts by region and hazard, with separate notices for heavy precipitation and thunderstorms; strong winds are covered too. Residents and visitors are advised to follow local forecasts, especially when weather changes quickly. Heavy rain or wind can disrupt transport, while hail can damage crops. Each can also pose safety risks, making timely information impressive.
