Spain is preparing for a significant shift in weather as the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has announced the return of rainfall starting this week. After enduring three weeks of nearly continuous rain, the country has experienced a brief period of anticyclonic stability, with temperatures rising to as high as 25 degrees Celsius in some areas. However, this calm is about to change as Atlantic storms are set to bring rain back to much of the Iberian Peninsula.
The AEMET forecast indicates that the week commencing on March 31, 2025, will start with relatively stable weather, but by Wednesday, April 2, new Atlantic storms will make their presence felt. "The week will begin with little rain, but new Atlantic storms will cause rainy weather, especially from Wednesday," AEMET tweeted on March 30.
On Monday, March 31, the weather will remain mostly clear in most of Spain, except for the Canary Islands, where strong showers are expected. Meteorologist Roberto Granda emphasized the importance of enjoying the sunshine while it lasts, stating, "Clouds and rain will return to a large part of the country starting on Tuesday afternoon." He noted that significant rainfall is anticipated from Wednesday through Friday, particularly in the Guadalquivir, Guadiana, and Tajo river basins.
As the week progresses, the AEMET expects temperatures to rise notably in the northern regions of Spain, while the southwest quadrant may experience a decrease. By Tuesday, April 1, light rain is predicted in parts of the southwest, including Extremadura and western Andalusia, with isolated showers possible in the Cantabrian Mountains and Pyrenees.
From Wednesday, the rains will extend across the country, with the heaviest precipitation expected in favorable areas of Galicia, the Central System, and Andalusia. The AEMET has indicated that these storms could lead to local flooding, particularly in regions already saturated from previous rains. "The most abundant rainfall will occur in areas favorable to precipitation, especially in Galicia and the Central System," said an AEMET spokesperson.
In the Canary Islands, the situation is similarly unstable, with remnants of a DANA (isolated high-level depression) causing irregular showers. The first rains are expected to affect the western islands, including Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. The AEMET has warned that while heavy rain is not expected, localized downpours could occur, particularly in the early hours of April 1.
Looking ahead, the AEMET anticipates that the storm system will continue to bring rain until at least Friday, April 4, with the potential for further storms to develop. The forecast suggests that the precipitation will be unevenly distributed, partly due to Spain's complex geography, which can intensify localized weather phenomena.
Weather models indicate that by the end of the week, the rain could become widespread across nearly all of Spain, with the possibility of locally strong and stormy conditions in various regions. This return to instability marks a notable change from the recent dry spell and could significantly impact agricultural activities and water reserves.
The upcoming weather changes are particularly important for the Valencian Community, which has seen several days of stability. The AEMET warns that the probability of rain will increase significantly in the second half of the week, especially as a storm approaches from the west. On Tuesday, April 1, the skies are expected to shift from partly cloudy to overcast, with isolated showers possible in the northern parts of the region.
As the week unfolds, the AEMET will be closely monitoring the situation, providing updates and warnings as necessary. Residents across Spain are encouraged to stay informed about the developing weather patterns and to prepare for potential disruptions from heavy rain and storms.
The return of rain in early April is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of spring weather in Spain. As meteorologist Roberto Granda noted, "We are entering an atmospheric dynamic that could bring anything, beyond just the rains of this week." With the potential for both beneficial rainfall and disruptive storms, the coming days will be crucial for many communities throughout the country.
