Spain faces a turbulent week as two Atlantic storms sweep across the country, bringing heavy rainfall and a impressive drop in temperatures. The first system, already active over Galicia and the northwest, has unleashed intense showers and increased cloud cover, especially in coastal and inland areas. AEMET-linked forecasts reported by RTVE on 23 October identified Storm Austen as the basic Atlantic system, with rain expected across northwestern Spain and the Pyrenees, followed by possible impacts farther east in Catalonia. At higher elevations, precipitation could fall as snow as colder air moves in behind the front. Authorities have issued weather warnings for several regions. The most severe alerts cover parts of Aragón and Catalonia, as well as the northern Balearic Islands, especially Menorca, where rainfall could exceed 30 litres per square metre in one hour.
The initial storm, which has subtropical characteristics, will continue to affect the northwest through Monday and into Tuesday. Localised downpours in Galicia may reach 15 litres per square metre within an hour. Similar conditions are expected across Extremadura and western Andalusia, extending into Castilla-La Mancha and western Madrid. The northeast is also on alert for thunderstorms, some accompanied by hail, as cold air from the north meets humid Mediterranean flows. Meanwhile, the Valencian Community and other Mediterranean regions are seeing a sharp increase in cloud cover, though rainfall there is expected to be less intense. The Atlantic systems also bring a impressive marine hazard: La Voz de Galicia reported an orange coastal warning for waves of up to seven metres.
By midweek, a second Atlantic storm will approach, moving towards Galicia’s northwest coast between Wednesday and Thursday. This system will bring even colder air, and temperatures will remain below seasonal averages across much of western Spain. Rainfall will again begin in the northwest and gradually spread eastward, though showers in central and eastern regions are likely to be more scattered. The northeast, but, could see renewed periods of intense rain as the system progresses. The active North Atlantic storm track, linked in meteorological coverage to a strong polar jet stream, is directing successive fronts towards northern Spain.
Temperatures are forecast to fall in two distinct phases. The first drop will be most noticeable on Monday, with highs in most provincial capitals staying below 30°C, except in some Mediterranean and Ebro Valley cities. A second, more widespread decrease is expected after the second storm passes later in the week. The outlook varies across the country: maximum temperatures may rise slightly in Mediterranean areas and the northeastern interior while falling across much of the rest of the peninsula. Minimum temperatures are forecast to rise in much of Spain, with little change in the southern third and the islands. On Tuesday, temperatures will dip further in the northern third of the peninsula, while westerly winds may bring a slight rebound in eastern and southern regions, including Andalusia. The Canary Islands will see little change, though cloud cover is likely to increase in the north of the archipelago.
The Atlantic systems follow a period of severe instability associated with DANA Adam on 19 October. El País reported red rainfall warnings in Alicante and Valencia, alongside orange warnings in parts of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Forecast totals reached 50 litres per square metre in one hour and 140 to 160 litres per square metre in 12 hours in parts of the islands. The earlier Mediterranean episode came before the later Atlantic pattern shifted the basic focus north, towards Galicia and the Cantabrian coast, as well as the Pyrenees and northern coastal waters.
These weather developments follow a pattern of unusual summer storms that have affected Spain in recent years. For context, a recent Atlantic storm in August also triggered heavy rains and weather alerts across northern and eastern Spain, reflecting the growing variability of summer weather patterns.
Spain's meteorological agency continues to monitor the situation, urging residents in affected areas to follow local warnings and take precautions against flash flooding and sudden temperature changes. AEMET warnings are issued by hazard and location, and conditions can change as fronts move across the country. Storm systems can disrupt daily life, including travel and agriculture, especially in regions unaccustomed to intense summer rainfall. The sequence makes timely weather updates and preparation impressive as climate patterns evolve.
