Spain is heading into an almost winter-like weekend as a powerful Atlantic system sweeps across the Iberian Peninsula, abruptly ending several days of unusually warm and stable spring weather. The national weather agency, Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet), has warned of a “sharp and widespread drop in temperatures”, with values expected to fall well below seasonal averages across much of the country.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
The current spring calm will be suddenly disrupted by an active cold front, reinforced by an influx of polar maritime air. Forecasters are predicting widespread rainfall, at times heavy and persistent, accompanied by strong to very strong winds, with gusts locally exceeding 70 km/h. Snow is also expected in higher elevations and parts of northern and northeastern Spain, with snow levels dropping to between 700 and 1,000 metres.
Friday will still bring relatively settled conditions in many regions, with mostly clear or partly cloudy skies. However, isolated thunderstorms may develop later in the day, particularly in southern and mountainous areas. Temperatures are expected to peak once more, with some regions slightly exceeding 30°C.
By Saturday, conditions will deteriorate significantly. Thunderstorms, potentially intense and accompanied by hail, are forecast across southern Spain. In the northern half of the country, rainfall will become more widespread and persistent, especially along the Cantabrian coast and in the Pyrenees. Winds will strengthen notably, with the possibility of very strong gusts, particularly in the Ebro Valley.
Sunday will bring a markedly colder scenario, unusual for this time of year. Only a few cities are expected to reach temperatures above 20°C, while many will remain below 15°C. The instability will shift towards the Mediterranean, where it could intensify, particularly in the Balearic Islands, with the risk of heavy showers, rough seas and strengthening winds.
According to current forecasts, a gradual stabilisation of the weather is expected from Monday onwards. Until then, Spain’s spring will once again reveal its unpredictable nature, with a dramatic shift that feels far closer to winter than to April.
