Spain Braces for Weekend Storms and Coastal Surges
Balearic Islands on Orange Alert for “Rissagas”
Spain faces a weekend of volatile weather as several regions are placed on yellow alert for rain and coastal phenomena. The Balearic Islands, in particular, are anticipating significant “rissagas,” a surge of sea level similar to a tsunami but atmospheric in origin.
Regions Under Warning
The areas affected by yellow warnings include Andalusia, Catalonia, Castilla-La Mancha, the Region of Murcia, and the Balearic Islands. The Valencian Community is under an orange alert for coastal phenomena until 8:00 AM.
Friday’s Forecast: Persistent Instability
A low-pressure system is forecast to drift towards the Mediterranean today, Friday, continuing the unstable conditions experienced earlier in the week. The east and southeast of the peninsula, along with the Balearic Islands, are expected to see cloudy skies and scattered showers, with the potential for heavy downpours and hail.
Northern Skies and Foggy Mornings
The northern regions of Spain will experience cloudier conditions, with precipitation expected in the Cantabrian area. Morning fog banks are likely in the northernmost extremities and high southeastern areas, while Melilla could see light dust haze.
Temperature Fluctuations Across the Country
Maximum temperatures are set to decrease in Alborán and the south-central peninsula, while rising in the north and the third-eastern regions. Despite these shifts, inland southwest depressions are expected to remain above 34-36 degrees Celsius.
Minimum Temperatures on the Rise
Minimum temperatures are anticipated to increase across the western peninsula but will fall in most of the eastern half. These descending minimums will be milder in the archipelagos. Coastal and southwestern areas are expected to maintain minimums above 20-22 degrees Celsius.
Winds Expected to Be Moderate
Winds will primarily be from the north and east. Strong gusts are possible along the Galician Atlantic coast, Ampurdán, northern Balearic Islands, and the Strait of Gibraltar. Moderate winds are expected in Alborán and along the southeastern coastlines. The Canary Islands will experience trade winds, with moderate breezes in the Ebro River valley and Galicia.
Outlook for the Weekend
Saturday: Continued Instability in the Northeast
By Saturday, low pressure is likely to settle over the Gulf of Genoa, prolonging instability in the northeastern peninsula and the northern Mediterranean. Cloudy skies and rainfall are anticipated, gradually subsiding by day’s end. The Cantabrian coast and Pyrenees will see overcast skies with persistent light rain in the eastern Cantabrian and western Pyrenees. Elsewhere, stable conditions are expected.
Sunday: Stable Conditions Prevail
Sunday is predicted to bring stable weather across the country due to high-altitude circulation patterns. Cloudiness will be concentrated in the north, with a possibility of light rain or drizzle in the eastern Cantabrian and northeastern Catalonia. High cloudiness and scattered clouds are also forecast for the northeastern peninsula and the Balearic Islands. The Canary Islands will largely remain clear.
Temperatures will generally climb nationwide, with the most significant increases in the far south and southeast of the peninsula, as well as within the Canary Islands. Southwest peninsular regions will continue to experience highs of 34-36 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures are set for a slight increase nationwide, particularly in the central peninsula, with many areas remaining above 20-22 degrees Celsius.
