As Spain braces for a significant weather shift, meteorologists are warning of severe thunderstorms and a drop in temperatures across the country. Starting Friday, May 2, 2025, a new storm system will bring electrical storms and intense rainfall, with the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) issuing orange warnings for multiple regions due to the expected 'showers and very strong winds and large hail.'
According to Jorge Rey, popularly known as 'el niño meteorólogo,' this storm is anticipated to cause 'strong storms' that could result in rainfall accumulations of up to '100 liters per square meter' by the end of the weekend. Rey, who gained fame for accurately predicting weather events like the Filomena snowstorm, highlighted that these storms will not only affect the current weather but also lead to a significant drop in temperatures early next week.
This weekend, coinciding with the May bank holiday, is set to be marked by these severe storms. A mass of cold air moving in will cause temperatures to plummet, particularly in the northern and central regions of Spain. Rey noted that while the spring-like atmosphere may persist through Saturday, with temperatures soaring up to 28 degrees Celsius in places like Murcia, a stark change is on the horizon.
On Saturday morning, May 3, rain is expected in northern areas such as Galicia, León, and Valladolid, as well as in parts of the southeast, including Huelva and Seville. However, the most intense rainfall is predicted for the afternoon, particularly in the western half of the peninsula, along with Castilla y León, Madrid, and the Cantabrian coast.
"Tomorrow and Saturday will see thunderstorms gain ground in Spain, and they will be intense, leaving behind several adverse phenomena," Rey warned. The situation is compounded by a storm system currently affecting Italy, which will contribute to the north winds that will sweep across Spain, further lowering temperatures. By Tuesday, May 6, maximum temperatures could drop to around 10 degrees in places like Burgos and Soria, with minimums approaching freezing in many inland areas.
Meanwhile, meteorologist José Antonio Maldonado also weighed in on the situation during a recent broadcast. He noted that on Friday, May 2, fifteen communities were under alert for storms with high electrical charges, alongside the possibility of hail. He explained that this storm would last for up to three days, affecting most of the country, except for areas near the Mediterranean, which are expected to experience milder conditions.
As the Feria de Abril approaches, many attendees are concerned about whether the weather will disrupt this iconic event. Maldonado reassured listeners that the Feria, which begins at midnight on Tuesday, May 6, will likely be neither rainy nor hot. He predicted that temperatures would hover around 22 to 23 degrees during the day, with cooler nights.
Despite the impending storms, some regions may see a brief respite. On Sunday, May 4, the weather is expected to stabilize somewhat, although showers will still persist in the northern third of Spain, particularly in mountainous areas. In contrast, the southern regions might experience morning fog near the Guadalquivir and Guadiana rivers.
As the storms continue, it’s crucial for residents and travelers alike to stay informed and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. The combination of intense rainfall and strong winds poses a significant risk, and authorities are urging caution.
In summary, Spain is gearing up for a turbulent weekend of weather, with thunderstorms and a notable drop in temperatures expected to dominate the forecast. As meteorologists keep a close eye on the developing situation, the public is advised to heed weather warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this period of instability.
