Nationwide Alert: Only One Region Spared
According to the latest forecast from Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the weather situation across Spain will be complex this Saturday, with high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms occurring simultaneously in multiple areas. With the exception of the northwestern region of Galicia, all other autonomous communities are under a weather alert, highlighting the extreme and widespread nature of the conditions.
Southern “Oven” Mode: Orange Alert for High Temperatures
Southern Spain is experiencing a severe heatwave. Parts of the provinces of Córdoba, Seville, Huelva, and Jaén in the Andalusia region have been placed on orange alert for high temperatures, with maximums expected to reach or exceed 40°C. The Guadalquivir Valley is the epicenter of the heat, where the provincial capital, Córdoba, could see temperatures soar to 41°C, making it one of the hottest cities in the country.
Northern Storms: Orange Alert for Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms
In stark contrast to the scorching heat in the south, northern Spain faces the threat of severe weather. The Pyrenees area in the province of Lleida, Catalonia, is on orange alert for heavy rain, with forecasts predicting over 30 liters per square meter in one hour. Meanwhile, the regions of Burgos, Cantabria, and Navarra are also on orange alert for intense thunderstorms, which may be accompanied by large hail and strong wind gusts.
Widespread Yellow Alerts
In addition to the higher-risk orange alerts, a broader area is under a yellow alert (lower risk).
- Yellow Alert for High Temperatures: This covers the entire regions of Castile-La Mancha, the Community of Madrid, and Extremadura, as well as parts of Andalusia, Aragon, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Castile and León, Catalonia, Valencia, La Rioja, Murcia, and Navarre, with temperatures expected to be between 34°C and 38°C.
- Yellow Alert for Rain and Thunderstorms: This is mainly concentrated in the northern half of the peninsula, affecting areas in Aragon, Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and León, Catalonia, Valencia, La Rioja, and Navarre.
Meteorologists predict that significant cloud cover will develop in the afternoon over the northern half of the peninsula and inland areas of the southeast, potentially leading to showers and thunderstorms. The public is advised to take precautions against the heat and be aware of the risks associated with localized severe weather.
