As Spain enters the second week of April, the arrival of the borrasca Olivier has brought significant weather changes, marking an unstable start to Holy Week. Following a month of widespread rains in March, April began with a brief respite in precipitation and a slight rise in temperatures. However, forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) indicate that this temporary calm will soon give way to storms and heavy rainfall across the country.
Starting on Saturday, April 12, 2025, the approach of the Olivier storm is expected to cause increased climatic instability throughout Spain, particularly affecting the western half of the peninsula. Regions such as Zamora, Málaga, and Badajoz are likely to experience locally strong showers and thunderstorms. According to AEMET, daytime temperatures will continue to decline, with winds particularly strong in the Strait and Alborán regions.
On Palm Sunday, April 13, and Monday, April 14, the storms will shift to the northern half and southeastern parts of the peninsula, with the Basque Country, La Rioja, and Catalonia facing the brunt of the rainfall. The winds will predominantly come from the west or southwest, initially weak but expected to pick up throughout the day, affecting coastal areas.
In Ceuta, a yellow alert was issued for significant rains and storms on April 12, with a 100% probability of rain from the early morning hours. AEMET warned that storms could re-emerge between noon and 6 PM, although the alert is set to expire at 2:59 PM. The rain is expected to continue but with diminishing intensity throughout the day.
Temperatures in Ceuta will range from a minimum of 16 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 21 degrees Celsius, and shipping routes remain operational despite the adverse weather conditions. The authorities have advised residents to stay informed about weather updates and to exercise caution during periods of heavy rainfall.
As the storm progresses, AEMET forecasts that between April 15 and April 18, the most intense rainfall will be concentrated in the northwestern half of the peninsula, while Mediterranean regions will see lighter showers. April 15 is predicted to be the wettest day of the week, with widespread rainfall expected in areas like Andalusia, Galicia, and Castilla y León.
Rubén del Campo, spokesperson for AEMET, explained that the instability will continue into Palm Sunday and Holy Monday, with thunderstorms expected in the north, particularly intense in Catalonia. The arrival of a cold air mass from high latitudes will lead to chilly conditions for this time of year, with rain in northern and western regions and even snow in mountainous areas.
Holy Thursday, April 17, is anticipated to bring a brief respite from the rain, but forecasts suggest that another front could arrive by Good Friday, April 18, bringing renewed rainfall, especially to the north and west of the peninsula.
The ongoing weather instability has also led to some disruptions in cultural events. For example, the rain forced the Cofradía California in Murcia to cut short their first procession of Holy Week on April 11 due to inclement weather. The procession, which began at 9 PM, had to seek refuge in the church mid-route.
In addition to rain, the presence of suspended dust particles from North Africa is expected to affect air quality in regions like Castilla y León, prompting health advisories for vulnerable populations. Authorities recommend limiting outdoor activities during high dust concentration periods.
As the weather continues to evolve, AEMET's alerts cover twelve provinces, including Zaragoza, Huesca, and Ceuta, with warnings for strong storms and heavy rain. The storm's impact is expected to be most severe in southern Spain, particularly around Cádiz and Málaga, where accumulations of up to 15 mm in one hour are forecasted.
Overall, the arrival of the borrasca Olivier is set to create a challenging start to Holy Week in Spain, with widespread rain, storms, and temperature fluctuations expected. As the situation develops, residents are advised to stay tuned to AEMET for updates and prepare for potential disruptions caused by the severe weather ahead.
