The Spanish meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued an urgent alert as a strong storm is set to impact large parts of Spain this weekend. Beginning on Friday, May 9, 2025, the storm is expected to intensify, bringing with it severe thunderstorms, hail, and wind gusts reaching up to 80 kilometers per hour. Additionally, a significant drop in temperatures is anticipated, with snowfall predicted in mountainous areas.
Regions most affected by this storm include Aragon, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Comunidad Valenciana, Galicia, and Madrid. In many of these areas, AEMET has activated orange-level alerts, indicating a high risk of severe weather and the potential for significant incidents. In the Comunidad Valenciana, for instance, storms have already resulted in large hail, disrupting rail services and causing various incidents, according to emergency services.
As the storm approaches, businesses are taking precautions. Notably, the supermarket chain Consum has announced plans to close its stores if a red alert is issued in certain areas, prioritizing the safety of employees and customers. Authorities are urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and to take precautions, such as securing objects on balconies and staying clear of risky areas like rivers and unstable slopes.
The impending storm is also expected to bring a notable decline in temperatures, particularly in the interior regions of the peninsula. In mountainous zones such as the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada, snowfall is predicted above elevations of 1,900 meters. The most critical period of the storm is forecasted to occur between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, with AEMET warning of frequent electrical activity in the storms, which could lead to damage to infrastructure and power outages in some areas.
This weather event highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather phenomena in Spain. It emphasizes the importance of preparedness and appropriate responses to minimize the impact of such events, especially in spring when weather conditions can change rapidly and dangerously.
In addition to the northern regions, two provinces in Andalusia, Almería and Granada, were also put on alert for seven hours on Saturday, May 10, due to rain and storms, with the possibility of hail. The AEMET forecast for this day indicated cloudy skies with occasional showers expected to intensify in the afternoon, particularly in the eastern third of the region. Rainfall in these areas could reach 20 liters per square meter within an hour, raising concerns about flooding.
The DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) is situated over the northwest, contributing to a widespread instability affecting the central and northern parts of the peninsula. The storms are predicted to be strong and could lead to mudslides due to calima—dust carried from Africa—which may exacerbate the effects of rainfall on exposed surfaces.
On Sunday, May 11, conditions are expected to begin stabilizing, although instability will still be present, particularly in the north. The AEMET anticipates that storms will become more isolated and less intense, leading to a transition toward more typical May weather patterns. The beginning of the following week may see the north continuing to experience rainfall, while the south and interior regions could enjoy clearer skies and pleasant temperatures.
Meanwhile, in Asturias, the day started sunny on Saturday, May 10, but the weather was set to change dramatically with the activation of a yellow alert for very strong storms accompanied by hail in the southwest and the Cantabrian Mountains. Widespread showers were expected throughout the region, with AEMET warning of potential accumulations of 30 to 40 millimeters of rain per square meter in some areas within a single hour.
As the storm progresses, the AEMET recommends that residents stay informed through official channels and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas. While there is no cause for alarm, it is crucial to exercise caution in the face of such intense weather phenomena.
Overall, this weekend's weather forecast illustrates the significant impact of the DANA across Spain, with multiple regions facing alerts and the potential for severe weather. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring weather updates and being prepared for rapid changes in conditions.
