As Spain gears up for the Easter holidays, it faces an unexpected visitor: Storm Olivier. Expected to arrive midweek, this fifteenth named storm of the season is set to bring rain, thunderstorms, and a significant drop in temperatures across much of the country. The Spanish national weather agency, AEMET, has already issued warnings ahead of the storm's arrival, marking a stark contrast to the unusually warm and stable weather that has prevailed in recent days.
Storm Olivier is anticipated to first make landfall in the Canary Islands, where La Palma is bracing for heavy downpours and strong gusts, particularly in mountainous areas. By Thursday, April 10, the storm will push toward mainland Spain, with meteorologists predicting widespread rain for much of the southern peninsula and Mediterranean coastline. Regions such as Andalusia, Murcia, and the eastern seaboard are expected to experience thunderstorms and possible hail.
Cities like Córdoba, Jaén, and Málaga will see temperatures drop from highs above 25°C to cooler daytime temperatures around 20–22°C. Meanwhile, northern areas such as Zamora, Ourense, and Pontevedra might still enjoy relatively warm temperatures between 25–28°C before the storm hits. On Tuesday, April 8, temperatures will remain well above average across Spain, with highs of up to 28°C in parts of Badajoz, Sevilla, Almería, Ourense, and Pontevedra.
However, a noticeable shift in weather patterns will begin on Wednesday, April 9, with isolated showers expected in the north and east, particularly in Aragon, Catalonia, and the Valencia region, where hail and thunder are also possible. As the storm approaches, the forecast for the Easter weekend looks increasingly wet. From Friday, April 11, low-pressure systems associated with Olivier will likely bring a wave of instability, resulting in widespread showers and storms, especially affecting the western, southern, and Mediterranean regions.
According to AEMET, some of these downpours may be locally intense, which could impact many of the traditional Palm Sunday processions and festivities held across the country. While temperatures will not plunge drastically, they are expected to dip compared to the previous week's warmth, contributing to an unsettled atmosphere for holidaymakers.
In Andalucía, the second week of April began with stable weather, characterized by sunshine and clear skies. This pleasant weather is expected to last until Wednesday, with rising temperatures that could exceed 23°C, reaching highs of up to 28°C in parts of Seville and Granada. However, experts have cautioned that this stability won't last long. "The second half of the week does not look good," warned Jesús Riesco, director of the AEMET center in Malaga.
As the storm approaches, the region will also see the presence of Sahara desert sand dust in suspension, potentially leading to high concentrations of dust in the atmosphere. On Tuesday, April 8, strong easterly winds are expected to dominate the weather, particularly in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Cadiz countryside areas. AEMET has activated a yellow warning for coastal phenomena, which will take effect at noon on April 8 and last until 11 PM on April 9.
These easterly winds are forecasted to reach speeds of 50 to 61 km/h (force 7) in areas west of Tarifa and south of Trafalgar point. By Thursday, April 10, AEMET predicts cloudy or overcast skies with scattered precipitation. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain unchanged or rise slightly, while maximum temperatures will fall, especially noticeable inland. Winds will be moderate to strong along the coast, with very strong gusts in Cadiz and the eastern Mediterranean coast.
The forecast for Thursday indicates that irregular showers will begin in northeastern Spain, but as the day progresses, the clouds will intensify, leading to more significant showers and thunderstorms in Andalusia. By the end of the day, the showers are expected to become heavier, resulting in muddy rain.
Looking ahead to Friday, April 11, the forecast remains grim. Precipitation is expected to move from south-southwest to north-northeast, affecting nearly the entire Spanish mainland. The heaviest rains are anticipated in western Andalucía and Extremadura, along with thunderstorms. Temperatures, which have been climbing during the first part of the week, will drop significantly as the cooler air mass associated with the storm arrives.
Experts have indicated that the hottest day of the week will be Wednesday, April 9, when temperatures are projected to approach 30°C in Pontevedra, Seville, and Badajoz. However, from Thursday onward, thermometers will likely trend downward, with abundant cloudiness expected as the storm takes hold.
As Spain approaches Easter, meteorologists remain cautious, noting that the spread of weather models is considerable, leading to various possible scenarios. The polar jet stream is expected to present significant undulations, creating dynamic weather patterns that could lead to colder spells in the near future. As such, travelers and residents are advised to stay informed about local forecasts and prepare for the shifting weather conditions.
With Storm Olivier poised to disrupt Easter plans across Spain, many are left wondering how the weather will impact the traditional celebrations. As the storm approaches, the atmosphere is charged not just with rain, but with the anticipation of how it will shape this year’s festivities.
