Although spring has already made its appearance on the calendar, the weather seems reluctant to accompany the season with stability. The last few weeks have been marked by a very active weather pattern, featuring the successive arrival of storms from the Atlantic which have left Spain with a scenario of intense rain, strong winds and accumulations of snow in different parts of the country.
After a few days of respite and even sunshine in some regions, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a new warning for the arrival of more Atlantic storms. This phenomenon will bring with it a new episode of widespread and persistent rainfall, especially in the northern parts of the peninsula, as well as in the Canary Islands and some points in the east of the peninsula.
Weather forecast for the next few days
The AEMET (Mexico Meteorological Agency) has predicted that the heaviest rainfall will be concentrated in the far north and west of the peninsula, with particular emphasis on Galicia, the Cantabrian Sea, and the central and northern mountain ranges. In the Canary Islands, the possible arrival of a DANA (isolated low-level depression) is expected starting Thursday, which could result in intense and persistent rainfall on several islands, particularly the westernmost ones. Furthermore, conditions are expected to worsen, as mentioned in previous articles.
In addition, a general drop in temperatures is expected, with light frosts in mountainous areas of the north. and even the possibility of snow at medium altitudes. This situation will be accompanied by northerly winds that will accentuate the sensation of cold temperatures. The instability we are observing is similar to that of the past storms that have affected the country.
The anticyclonic stability that has dominated recent days will be replaced by the direct influence of new, wetter, unstable, and colder Atlantic air masses. This transit will favor the formation of active fronts that will sweep across the peninsula, leaving a trail of precipitation in their wake.
Rivers at their limit and reservoirs on alert
The continued rains have significantly raised the levels of many reservoirs and rivers on the peninsula. The Tagus River Basin Authority has reported that up to 22 gauging stations exceed the red threshold, indicating a high risk of flooding. In areas of Castilla-La Mancha, such as Talavera de la Reina and Toledo, authorities have intensified surveillance following the constant increase in the Tagus River's flow. This is something we have seen in previous situations, such as in recent episodes.
The Guadalquivir basin has also experienced significant water accumulation. In Seville, Córdoba, and surrounding areas, emergency services have activated preventive plans to address potential flooding, especially in rural areas and neighborhoods near riverbanks. In Seville, for example, floodgates have been closed to prevent flooding in neighborhoods like Triana.
In Catalonia, recent rainfall has significantly increased the volume of water stored in the internal basins. Reservoirs such as Sau and La Baells have reached levels not seen in recent years. Although the situation has improved compared to last year's drought, isolated overflows are not ruled out if the rains intensify.
Problems in roads and transportation
The General Directorate of Traffic has warned of more than 60 roads affected by rain or snow last weekend alone. In Andalusia, the provinces of Cádiz, Seville, and Córdoba have recorded the highest number of road closures, while in the Valencian Community, municipalities such as Buñol and Aldaia have suffered considerable flooding, affecting traffic. Road complications have also been reported, similar to those we have documented in previous articles.
The situation hasn't been any better in Madrid, where several secondary roads and some access routes to the capital have been intermittently closed due to flooding of the Manzanares and Jarama rivers. In several Madrid municipalities, such as Rascafría, Ambite, and San Fernando de Henares, authorities have recommended avoiding unnecessary travel.
Interruptions or restrictions have also been reported on medium- and long-distance railway lines, especially on routes located in flood-prone areas or with limited coverage for extreme hydrological events. Several universities, such as the Complutense University of Madrid, have suspended their activities as a precaution.
Beware of new depressions during Holy Week
The AEMET (Meteorological Agency) and other meteorological experts have begun to approach the Easter period with caution. Although it is still too early to make a definitive forecast, some weather models point to possible new cold air inflows into the upper layers, which could favor the formation of new DANAs or low pressure areas around the peninsula.
This could result in a new episode of localized rainfall, especially in the north and inland regions. The Canary Islands could also be affected by a surge of cold air that could destabilize the atmosphere. Some forecasts indicate an 80% chance of rain in Madrid during those dates, although these will continue to be updated as the week progresses.
Authorities emphasize the importance of following official warnings and recommendations from Civil Protection during these days of changing weather conditions. The risk of flooding, landslides, and traffic problems remains present in many areas. In this regard, advice on the flood prevention They are crucial.
March 2025 has already been described as one of the wettest months in recent decades in Spain. Some observatories, such as Madrid-Retiro and Navacerrada, have recorded record rainfall, even surpassing historical records from the last century. In areas such as Seville, Córdoba, and Murcia, the monthly total is ten times the usual average for this time of year.
