A new atmospheric disturbance named Nuria is about to radically alter the weather pattern in Spain, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and a sharp drop in temperatures . This change will affect the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
Although during the first days of the week there was still a certain stability in much of the country, especially after several days of spring-like weather, the advance of the storm from the Atlantic and its interaction with the Mediterranean humidity will generate widespread unstable conditions with a risk of heavy rain.
Rain spread over large areas
The first rains are expected to arrive in northeastern Spain and the Balearic Islands on Wednesday , although they will tend to decrease as the day progresses. However, they may persist with some intensity in areas of the lower Ebro valley and some parts of the Pyrenees . This situation is reminiscent of Storm Konrad , which also brought heavy rainfall previously.
The front associated with the storm will move from the southwest throughout the day, spreading rainfall to practically the entire Atlantic and Cantabrian coast . Late in the day, the afternoon showers will become thundery and could even be accompanied by hail , especially in Galicia and the Cantabrian Mountains.
Although most of the country will be affected by rain , it is unlikely to reach the southeastern half of the Mediterranean area , including areas such as AlmerÃa or Murcia, where they will resist the effects of the unstable weather.
Canary Islands in the spotlight
The Canary Islands archipelago will also be affected by the approach of Storm Nuria. According to AEMET (the Spanish State Meteorological Agency), the most noticeable effects of the storm will begin in the area on Wednesday night , with heavy rainfall, high waves, and strong winds , especially in the western islands such as La Palma, El Hierro, and La Gomera. These conditions may lead to monitoring similar to that carried out during Storm Garoe.
Cloud bands will sweep across the islands from west to east , bringing overcast skies throughout Thursday. Rain could become heavy or persistent in the mid-altitude areas of northern and eastern Tenerife and on the peaks of La Palma . Forecasts do not rule out the possibility of hurricane-force gusts in high-altitude areas such as Mount Teide.
The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued yellow and orange weather warnings across almost the entire archipelago, mirroring the alerts issued during similar events such as Storm Bert . These conditions are expected to persist at least until Friday, with particular attention to mountainous areas most exposed to wind and rain.
Significant temperature drop and occasional frosts
As the storm passes, maximum temperatures will experience a general decrease across the Iberian Peninsula. This phenomenon will be especially noticeable in the northeastern third , where thermometers will drop to values ​​more typical for this time of year. This heat loss is consistent with what was observed during Storm Laurence.
Minimum temperatures will also decrease in mountainous areas and the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula, although they could rise slightly in valleys and plateaus of the eastern interior . Frost is possible in high-altitude areas of the Pyrenees , while temperatures will remain more stable along the Mediterranean coast.
In the Canary Islands, a drop in maximum temperatures is also expected , especially on Wednesday. Minimum temperatures will experience slight decreases, although values ​​are expected to stabilize towards the weekend.
Specific forecasts for the coming days
Thursday will likely be the most intense day of the week in terms of weather . During the night, the storm will reach its peak in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula , bringing heavy rainfall, very strong winds , and thunderstorms that could become severe in some areas, reminiscent of the intensity seen in past storms.
Furthermore, strong gusts of wind will continue in the Canary Islands, posing a particular danger in high and exposed areas . Very strong or even hurricane-force winds are expected on Mount Teide , prompting the activation of orange-level weather warnings, as was done in previous storms.
Rain will be persistent in mountainous areas and on the northern slopes of the westernmost islands, although it is also possible in the rest of the archipelago, albeit weaker and more scattered. Cloudy or overcast skies are expected throughout most of the country during the day.
Rain is expected to continue in many areas through Friday, although it will gradually ease from the southwest . However, the weather will remain cool, windy, and humid , making agricultural work and outdoor activities difficult.
The arrival of Storm Nuria marks an interruption to the period of dry, warm weather that Spain had experienced in recent weeks , especially after an unusually dry winter. While the rain will be welcome in certain regions, particularly from a water perspective, the storm's intensity could also cause some local problems such as isolated floods or wind-related incidents.
Therefore, the public is advised to stay tuned to official updates and warnings from AEMET , exercise extreme caution on the road and avoid unnecessary travel in areas affected by weather alerts.
With Storm Nuria relentlessly advancing across the country, the beginning of April is shaping up to be a continuation of March in terms of intense weather : widespread rainfall, strong winds, a drop in temperatures, and a new challenge for infrastructure and crops. Meanwhile, the warm, stable front that accompanied Easter week is departing without a trace.
