The Iberian Peninsula is bracing for a week of unstable weather, characterized by widespread rains and a notable drop in temperatures. On May 9, 2025, the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) issued multiple yellow and orange alerts across Spain as heavy rainfall was forecasted, particularly affecting Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.
In Catalonia, the Civil Protection agency activated the INUNCAT plan in response to severe flooding, with certain areas in Vallès Occidental recording over 80 mm of rainfall. This situation is expected to escalate as the week progresses, prompting officials to warn residents to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions.
Specific regions such as Alt and Baix Empordà on the Costa Brava were under a new alert for intense rainfall, with expectations of accumulating 20 mm in just 30 minutes. In Navata, a town in Alt Empordà, 23.1 mm of rain was recorded within that time frame, highlighting the severity of the situation.
As the day unfolded, the weather system approached Lleida, bringing with it a cloud of precipitation that was most intense in Pallars Jussà and surrounding areas. The Segrià, Ribera d'Ebre, and Terra Alta regions were placed under orange alerts for violent weather, indicating the potential for severe storms.
In fact, the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya issued a red alert for Segrià, predicting hailstones larger than 2 cm in diameter. This alert was set to remain active until 19:40 hours, with forecasts suggesting that intense rains would impact the area around 20:00 hours. As of 18:00 hours, El Vendrell had recorded the highest rainfall at 27.4 mm, closely followed by Torredembarra with 23.4 mm.
Weather conditions were similarly severe across other parts of Spain. In the Balearic Islands, Aemet forecasted cloudy skies with locally heavy showers, particularly in the south of Mallorca, where very strong storms were anticipated during the early morning hours. The storms were expected to ease by the afternoon, transitioning to clearer skies.
Meanwhile, in Tui, the weather was marked by mostly cloudy conditions with a high probability of precipitation throughout the day. The temperature was expected to range from 11 to 13 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels soaring up to 95%. The forecast indicated a 100% chance of rain, particularly between 8:00 and 14:00 hours, with total accumulations reaching approximately 1 mm.
As the afternoon progressed, winds were predicted to shift from the north and northeast, with speeds increasing to 20 km/h, potentially making the air feel cooler. Thunderstorm activity was also likely to rise, with a 95% chance of storms developing, particularly in the afternoon hours.
In Gondomar and O Porriño, conditions remained mostly cloudy, with temperatures ranging from 11 to 14 degrees Celsius and humidity levels reaching up to 99%. Both towns faced a high probability of storms and precipitation throughout the day. Salceda de Caselas was also under similar weather patterns, characterized by variable cloudiness and high humidity.
Looking ahead, the weekend weather forecast indicates continued instability. On Saturday, May 10, strong rains and thunderstorms, potentially accompanied by hail, are expected across the northern third of the peninsula and the Iberian interior. These conditions could become particularly severe in the eastern Cantabrian region and the upper-middle Ebro.
Temperatures are anticipated to rise slightly, especially in the Cantabrian region and Catalonia, while they may decrease in Galicia. However, overall, temperatures are expected to remain slightly below normal for this time of year.
As the week progresses, the weather is expected to stabilize somewhat, with clearer skies emerging in the south while the northern regions may continue to experience precipitation. Snow is also likely in the mountains of the extreme north, particularly above 1600 to 2000 meters.
Residents across the affected regions are advised to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of unpredictable weather.
