A new storm will hit Spain in late August, bringing strong rains, hail and wind to the north and west, while the Mediterranean faces a heatwave. Authorities warn of unstable conditions and rapid temperature swings.
Spain faces a turbulent end to August as a new storm system moves in, triggering a mix of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hail and strong winds across much of the country. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has warned that the northwest and northern regions will be most affected, while the Mediterranean coast and Balearic Islands are set for unusually high temperatures.
On Tuesday, the storm that crossed from Galicia to the Bay of Biscay will deepen, spreading instability into the northern plateau. Cloudy skies and moderate to heavy rainfall are forecast for the northwest, Cantabrian coast and western Central System. In Asturias and northeast Galicia, yellow-level storm alerts have been issued due to the risk of intense downpours and hail. Meanwhile, the Mediterranean coast, including the Balearic Islands and Valencia, will see little cloud cover and temperatures well above seasonal averages. The rest of the country is expected to remain stable, while the Canary Islands will experience mostly clear skies, steady temperatures and moderate winds.
By Wednesday, the situation will intensify as a cold front sweeps across the peninsula. Western Galicia, the Cantabrian coast, the northern plateau, Sierra de Gredos, Extremadura and northern Huelva are all expected to see significant rainfall, with accumulations reaching 15 mm in just one hour in some areas. Thunderstorms with hail and strong wind gusts are likely, especially in the north and northwest. In contrast, the Ebro valley, eastern Cantabrian coast and Balearic Islands will continue to experience high temperatures, with maximums reaching up to 35°C. Winds will be moderate to strong in much of the peninsula, with the north and mountain areas at risk of very strong gusts. The Mediterranean and Balearic regions will see lighter winds, except for some strong intervals in the Alboran Sea. In the Canary Islands, cloud cover will increase in the north, while the south remains clear, and moderate trade winds persist.
Thursday will bring a marked drop in maximum temperatures, especially in the interior, where some areas could see a decrease of at least 6°C. The storm's associated fronts will move across the northwest, bringing very cloudy skies and locally heavy rainfall to southwest Galicia, which may extend to the southwest peninsula and northeast coasts, including the Balearic Islands. The Mediterranean coast will remain hot, with temperatures again exceeding 35°C in some locations. Winds will stay moderate to strong across the peninsula, with mountain regions in the north facing the highest gusts. In the Canary Islands, the tail end of the front will bring moderate rain to the mountainous islands, but temperatures will remain stable and winds moderate.
These rapid weather changes come after a summer marked by alternating heatwaves and storms. According to recent reports of rare August storms, such patterns are becoming more frequent, especially in the northwest. The current forecast highlights the need for residents in affected areas to stay alert for sudden shifts in weather, particularly where strong winds and hail are expected. The contrast between the cool, stormy west and the hot, stable east is likely to be especially pronounced in the coming days. For travelers and locals alike, monitoring official updates from Aemet is recommended as conditions may change rapidly.
Spain's diverse geography often leads to sharp contrasts in weather, with Atlantic fronts bringing rain and cooler air to the north and west, while the Mediterranean basin remains hot and dry. The late August storm underscores the importance of regional forecasts and preparedness, especially as climate variability increases the unpredictability of extreme weather events. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and will update warnings as necessary.
