As Spain approaches the May Day long weekend, meteorologists are issuing forecasts that point to a mix of weather conditions across the country. The renowned meteorologist Mario Picazo, now with Eltiempo.es, has shared insights into what Spaniards can expect as they prepare for the holiday on May 1st.
Temperatures have already begun to soar, with many regions experiencing spring-like weather, reaching around 20 degrees Celsius in some areas. However, this pleasant weather is set to be disrupted as an Atlantic front approaches from the northwest, bringing rain, storms, and even hail, as warned by the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET).
This weekend is expected to showcase stark contrasts in weather across Spain. In the northern regions, residents should brace for colder, rainy conditions, while the southern parts of the country will bask in sunny weather, with temperatures nearing 30 degrees Celsius. Picazo predicts that an anticyclone will dominate the weather this weekend, leading to high temperatures in many areas. However, he cautions that rain is still on the horizon for the north.
"It's going to be necessary to grab an umbrella, especially in the northern peninsula," Picazo stated, indicating that the rain will primarily affect regions such as Cantabria, Navarra, Aragon, and Catalonia starting Saturday. Isolated storm clouds may also develop in other areas of the eastern Iberian Peninsula, and possibly in the northern Balearic Islands.
Despite the anticipated rainy weather continuing throughout the weekend, there is hope for stability returning to most of Spain by Sunday, though Catalonia and the Balearic Islands may remain unsettled. Picazo has also pointed out that after Sunday, a DANA (isolated high-altitude depression) could form, which would bring widespread rain to the country during the May Day long weekend.
"After Sunday and into the May Day bridge, a DANA could develop, bringing rain to all of Spain," Picazo warned, highlighting the uncertainty that remains regarding the weather's evolution.
Roberto Granda, another meteorologist at Eltiempo.es, echoed Picazo's sentiments, noting that a DANA or BFA could complicate the weather during the festive days. He explained that there are still many uncertainties regarding how the weather will unfold, stating, "The uncertainty in forecasts is at a maximum, and all scenarios are open. We could see either a DANA or a storm with rain, or complete stability and notable warmth for the season."
AEMET, for its part, has also refined its forecast, indicating that showers are likely in the extreme north of the peninsula, possibly stormy and intense in the far northeast, with strong wind gusts in the Ebro Valley. They predict significant changes in maximum temperatures starting Sunday, with drops particularly noticeable in the northern half of the peninsula.
On Thursday, May 1, the beginning of the long weekend, a significant front will enter from the west, bringing rainfall to a large portion of the country. AEMET has also mentioned that in the latter half of May, a storm is expected to form in the Atlantic, but its trajectory remains uncertain, which will affect which areas are most impacted by rainfall and how temperatures evolve.
According to AEMET's projections, the week of May 12 to 18 could see temperatures typical for this time of year, possibly slightly higher in parts of the Mediterranean and the Balearic Islands, while rainfall may again exceed usual levels in the western peninsula.
As for Valencia, where the San Vicente Ferrer long weekend is about to commence on April 28, AEMET has forecast a blend of sunny and warm days with occasional instability, particularly in the interior. On Saturday, skies will be partly cloudy, with the possibility of showers in the afternoon. The agency has issued a yellow warning for strong wind gusts throughout the day.
Temperatures in Valencia are expected to decrease slightly in the interior, with maximum temperatures falling in the southern parts of the province. Winds will be northwest, with very strong gusts in the northern interior of Castellón, switching to weaker southeast winds in the afternoon.
On Monday, the main day of the San Vicente Ferrer festival, the weather is expected to be mostly sunny, with some cloudiness possible early in the day, especially along the coast. AEMET has also indicated an 80% chance of precipitation in Valencia on both Tuesday and Wednesday following the holiday.
As the weather continues to evolve, residents and travelers alike are advised to stay updated on forecasts as they plan their activities for the upcoming holidays. With the potential for rain and instability, it’s wise to be prepared for varying conditions as Spain heads into this festive season.
