Spain is grappling with violent weather phenomena caused by storm Regina. The cyclone brought rare snowfall to the peaks of Gran Canaria, strong winds, and the phenomenon of calima, or dust from the Sahara. Residents of the continental part of the country, including Madrid and Andalusia, are warned about 'blood rain' – mud precipitation formed from the combination of rain with African dust. Simultaneously, the UN forecasts the arrival of the El Niño phenomenon this year.

Attack of Cyclone Regina

Violent storms, snow in the Canary Islands, and transport paralysis in several regions of Spain.

Blood Rain in Madrid

Mass influx of Saharan dust causes mud precipitation that pollutes urban infrastructure.

El Niño Forecast

The UN warns of the return of the climate-warming phenomenon still in the first half of this year.

The Spanish state meteorological agency Aemet has issued numerous alerts due to the passage of storm Regina. The most difficult situation is in the Canary Islands, where over 30 incidents have been recorded, including landslides and flooding. In Tenerife, difficult atmospheric conditions forced flight diversions from Tenerife Norte Airport. An exceptionally rare sight is the snow-covered peaks of Gran Canaria, while on the island of La Palma, the temperature dropped to nearly four degrees below zero. The phenomenon of calima, or the transport of desert dust from the Sahara over Europe, has intensified in the last decade, which scientists link to changes in air mass circulation over North Africa. In the continental part of the country, the main threat is the forecasted calima. Agency Aemet warns of a phenomenon colloquially called 'blood rain'. When sand dust mixes with water droplets, sticky mud falls from the sky, covering streets, cars, and building facades. Warnings have been issued for, among others, Madrid, Seville, and Valencia, where the boisterous celebrations of the Las Fallas festival are approaching. In the Valencia region, precipitation of up to 60 liters of water per square meter is forecast within just 12 hours. Simultaneously with local anomalies, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) at the UN published a report on global trends. Experts point to the end of the multi-year La Niña cycle and a high probability of the return of the El Niño phenomenon in the second half of 2026. This could result in a further increase in the planet's average temperature and an intensification of extreme weather phenomena in the coming months. „Un mes muy variable; puede ser que este año lo sea todavía más” (A very variable month; it may be that this year it is even more so) — Luismi Pérez

Mentioned People

  • Francisco Cacho — Meteorologist from LaSexta station warning about the effects of the storm.
  • Luismi Pérez — Meteorologist commenting on the variability of March weather in Spain.
  • Jorge Rey — Popularizer of traditional weather forecasting methods.