DANA Triggers Widespread Alerts, Affecting 10 Autonomous Communities
Starting this Monday, Spain’s weather has become highly unstable due to an adverse weather system known as an ‘upper-level isolated low’ (DANA), which continues to linger over the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Consequently, the national meteorological agency has issued various levels of weather alerts for 10 autonomous communities. Strong wind gusts are expected to affect Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, the Betic Cordillera, Cádiz and its surroundings, the lower Ebro valley, and the Pyrenees region.
The specific alerts are distributed as follows:
- Dual alert for rain and high temperatures: Andalusia, Aragon, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, and Extremadura.
- Alert for rain and thunderstorms: Valencian Community.
- Alert for high temperatures: Balearic Islands, Castilla y León, Galicia, and the Community of Madrid.
National Weather Overview: From Thunderstorms to Morning Fog
The weather conditions across the country are complex and varied. Thunderstorms from Sunday night may persist into the early hours of Monday in the southwestern regions. During the day, active cloud systems will develop over the mountainous areas of the central, southern, and eastern peninsula, possibly leading to showers or thunderstorms.
Along the Cantabrian coast, the weather will be predominantly cloudy with light precipitation. The Strait of Gibraltar, Ceuta, and Melilla will experience low cloud cover, though it is expected to clear gradually. Additionally, morning fog may occur in northern Spain, Ceuta, and Melilla. In the Canary Islands, skies will be cloudy, with a chance of precipitation on the higher-elevation islands.
Temperatures Rise Widely, with Local Highs Reaching 40°C
Regarding temperatures, maximums are generally rising across most of the Spanish interior, while coastal areas and the Balearic Islands will see little change, and the Canary Islands will experience a slight decrease.
Highs are expected to exceed 35°C in most of the south, the northeast, the Balearic Islands, Galicia, Madrid, Castilla y León, and parts of Valencia. In localized areas of the Guadalquivir and Tagus valleys, temperatures could soar to 40°C. Specifically, the highest temperature is forecast to reach 40°C in Ourense, 39°C in Badajoz, Cáceres, and Córdoba, and 36°C in the capital, Madrid.
Nighttime minimum temperatures are rising in the central peninsula, but in large areas of the southwest, along the Mediterranean coast, in the northeast, and in parts of the Cantabrian region, they will remain above 20°C, resulting in ‘tropical nights’.
Official Advice and Precautions
Meteorological authorities advise the public to closely monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings. In areas under alert, especially where strong thunderstorms, hail, and extreme heat are possible, residents and tourists should take necessary precautions to stay cool and ensure lightning safety, and avoid outdoor activities during severe weather periods.
