Spain faces the arrival of storm Éowyn, a major meteorological phenomenon that is generating expectations due to its potential impact. According to experts, this storm will form after a explosive cyclogenesis during its passage through the Atlantic, which will intensify its effects in several regions of the country.
The storm, which has been named in the British Isles, will take center stage in the coming days after the storm Garoé, which left significant rainfall on the Atlantic side of the peninsula. As Éowyn approaches, the peninsula will experience an increase in the meteorological instability marked by rain, hurricane-force winds and a marked drop in temperatures.
Explosive cyclogenesis in the middle of the Atlantic
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has warned that the Storm Éowyn will experience rapid and intense deepening, known as explosive cyclogenesis. This process is characterised by a drop in atmospheric pressure in the core of the storm of more than 24 hPa in 24 hours. In this case, the drop is expected to exceed even 30 hPa, which will intensify the effects of the phenomenon.
The most severe impact will be seen in Ireland and the British Isles, where wind gusts exceeding 200 km/h y waves up to 15 meters high. Although its main path will not directly affect Spain, its proximity will generate a generalized storm in many regions of the country.
Heavy rains since Friday
The first rains associated with Éowyn will begin to be noticed on Friday in Galicia, progressively extending towards Asturias and the northwest of Castile and Leon. Precipitation will be especially abundant in western Galicia, where the accumulated amounts could exceed 1000 m. 150 mm before the end of Sunday.
On Saturday, a front related to the storm will cross a large part of the peninsula, leaving significant rainfallAs the system moves eastward, precipitation will decrease in intensity and fall in scattered amounts across the Mediterranean. To better understand the associated precipitation, you can learn how to calculate the snow level in stormy conditions, as snowfall in higher elevations will be significant at certain times during the event. Do you want to know how to calculate the snow level? Also, in mountainous areas, wind and precipitation conditions can be better understood by reviewing how wind is formed and measured under extreme weather conditions. Learn how wind is formed and measured.
Hurricane-force winds and maritime storms
The wind will be another of the great protagonists of Éowyn's passage. Gusts exceeding 100 km/h will affect the Cantabrian slope, Galicia, the Cantabrian mountain range and other mountainous areas of the country. In particularly exposed areas, such as the Galician coast, the gusts could exceed 120 km/h during the weekend.
As for the maritime conditions, are expected high waves on the northern coasts, especially in Galicia and the Cantabrian coast. The risk of maritime storms will be high, which could hamper activities at sea and endanger coastal infrastructure.
Falling temperatures and snowfall
Another notable effect of the storm will be the drop in temperatures. Saturday will be the coldest day of the episode, with a general drop in temperatures. Snowfall, although weak, is not ruled out in the mountains of the north and centre of the peninsula.
Snow levels will range between 1000 and 1200 meters, with accumulations expected in the Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees, and areas of the Central System. This snowfall could make driving difficult on some mountain roads, so drivers are advised to exercise caution. For more information on mountain conditions, please visit How snow is formed and what influence it has on meteorology. Also, checking snow forecasts is useful for planning trips and avoiding potential accidents.
What the next few days have in store for us
Following the passage of the front associated with Éowyn, a new frontal system is expected to impact on Sunday and Monday, further intensifying rainfall and winds. This second front will bring with it additional rainfall to Galicia, the Cantabrian coast and the Central system, with possible snowfall at low altitudes.
Next week will continue to be unstable, with intervals of strong winds and intermittent rains in many areas of Spain. Although the storm will gradually lose strength, weather conditions will continue to be adverse in most of the peninsula.
Storm Éowyn will not only remind citizens of the power of nature, but also of the importance of being prepared for weather events of this magnitude: checking roofs, securing outdoor objects and frequently checking weather updates will be key to minimising potential damage.
