Following an intense heatwave with temperatures of up to 40 degrees, Spain is facing an abrupt change in weather. An incoming mass of polar-origin cold air is set to bring a significant drop in temperatures in the coming days, along with the risk of severe thunderstorms and storms in several regions of the country.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Sudden weather change after extreme heat
Just a few days ago, large parts of Spain were sweltering under early summer extreme heat, with peak temperatures of around 40 degrees. Now, however, a radical shift in weather conditions is on the way: a so-called mass of polar air is moving in from the north towards the Iberian Peninsula, displacing the hot air.
Meteorologists are describing a highly dynamic weather development that is unusually abrupt for this time of year. What is particularly notable is the rapid shift from midsummer conditions to significantly cooler and more unstable weather within a very short period.
Significant temperature drop in many regions
With the arrival of the cold air, temperatures across large parts of Spain are expected to drop noticeably. In some regions, a fall of up to ten degrees or more is forecast. While many areas had previously recorded values close to or above 40 degrees, temperatures could now return to much more pleasant, and in some cases even cool, levels.
The interior of the country as well as northern regions are expected to be particularly affected, where the temperature drop is likely to be most pronounced. Nights are also set to become noticeably cooler again, bringing significant relief in many areas after the period of intense heat.
Risk of thunderstorms and local storms
However, the weather change will not only bring cooler temperatures, but also a period of increased atmospheric instability. The collision of different air masses is creating favourable conditions for showers and thunderstorms.
Meteorologists are warning of widespread rainfall, which may be heavy in some localised areas. In certain regions, there is also the possibility of hail, strong gusty winds and short-lived but intense thunderstorm cells. The risk of severe weather is considered higher particularly in the north, west and mountainous areas.
Cause: Cold air from northern latitudes
The trigger for the change in weather is a mass of polar air advancing southwards from northern latitudes. This displaces the previously dominant warm air and simultaneously destabilises the atmosphere.
Such weather patterns are not unusual, but they can produce particularly marked and sometimes extreme contrasts, especially after prolonged heatwaves. The result is rapid shifts between heat, cooling and unstable weather within just a few days.
No prolonged cold spell expected
Despite the significant drop in temperatures, this is not expected to be a prolonged cold spell at this stage. Rather, the influx of polar air is being classified as a temporary event.
In the coming days, temperatures could stabilise again after the passage of the front and gradually return towards more summery values. A return of the heat is therefore not ruled out.
Extreme weather events continue to increase
Meteorologists also point out that such abrupt weather changes have been observed more frequently in recent years. The alternation between heatwaves and sudden cold air outbreaks is considered a sign of increasingly unstable weather dynamics over the Iberian Peninsula.
This development repeatedly leads to sharp contrasts within short periods of time – from extreme heat to heavy thunderstorms and sudden drops in temperature.
