A complex weather system known as an ‘Isolated High-Altitude Depression’ (DANA) will continue to dominate Spain’s weather patterns this week. This system, which already caused heavy rainfall in areas like León and Castellón last week, will see its erratic path cause a rapid shift from intense heat to widespread severe weather, with temperatures experiencing a roller coaster-like change.
Tuesday: A Brief Lull, but Heat Remains Dominant
Before the week’s dramatic weather shift, Tuesday will offer a brief respite. As the DANA temporarily moves westward, conditions will stabilize across most of the Iberian Peninsula. However, high temperatures will persist, with most of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands expected to exceed 35°C. Temperatures in the Guadalquivir Valley and southern Galicia could approach 40°C. Consequently, the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued orange heat warnings for provinces including Cáceres, Toledo, Jaén, Cuenca, Huesca, Lleida, and Tarragona. Scattered showers may occur in the Pyrenees and the Iberian System.
From Wednesday: Storms Return with Severe Convective Weather
The weather will change significantly starting Wednesday. The DANA will approach again and merge with a cold-air trough from the Atlantic, drastically increasing atmospheric instability. Heavy rainfall is expected in inland Galicia, the Cantabrian region, inland eastern Andalusia, Murcia, southern and eastern Castile-La Mancha, the Iberian System, and the Pyrenees. Thunderstorms in some areas could be very intense, accompanied by hail and strong wind gusts. Due to the presence of Saharan dust, some rainfall may result in ‘mud rain.’ Temperatures will begin to drop from this day, although highs in places like Murcia could still reach 38°C.
Thursday: The Most Unstable Day with a Significant Temperature Drop
Thursday is forecast to be the most unstable day of the week. The DANA system will cross the peninsula, bringing widespread heavy rain to the north, with the most intense downpours in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and northern Castile and León. Rainfall in the central, southern, and eastern regions will be weaker but may extend to the Balearic Islands. Affected by the rain and cold air, temperatures will drop sharply across the country, with many areas experiencing temperatures 5 to 10°C below the normal average for this time of year, leading to noticeably cooler nights.
Weekend Outlook and Precautions
This period of instability is expected to last through the weekend. On Friday, the northern third of Spain will continue to see heavy rain, with the most intense rainfall in Cantabria and the Basque Country in the morning, shifting to the Pyrenees, the Iberian System, and Catalonia in the afternoon. The meteorological service advises the public to closely monitor the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions against severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and the risk of flash flooding from intense, short-duration rainfall. Furthermore, due to the drastic temperature drop from Wednesday to Friday, residents are advised to adjust their clothing accordingly to prevent health issues.
