Spain is preparing for a radical change in weather conditions following a wave of unnaturally high temperatures. The State Meteorological Agency warns of a sudden cooling that will affect many regions of the country this coming Saturday. The key factor changing the weather is the approaching DANA-type low-pressure system, which will bring torrential rains, mud storms in the Canary Islands, and strong wind gusts inland.

Drastic temperature drop

On Saturday, eight autonomous communities will experience unexpected cooling after a wave of anomalous heat reaching 24 degrees.

DANA phenomenon over Spain

The low-pressure system will bring downpours to Andalusia and mud storms (calima) to the Canary Islands.

End of anomalous weather

Meteorologists officially end the period of "early spring," restoring weather conditions closer to the February norm.

Spanish meteorologists have announced the definitive end of the period referred to as an "early spring," during which temperatures in many places exceeded the norm by 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Reports point to an upcoming "extraordinary" cooling, which will be felt most strongly by residents of eight autonomous communities. The process of thermal normalization began on Friday, but the main impact of cold and humidity is forecast for the upcoming weekend. In Madrid, after Thursday's highs reaching 24 degrees, thermometers will show much lower values, and the sky will be dominated by clouds. The key threat to weather stability is the phenomenon of DANA, which is heading towards Andalusia and the Canary Islands. On the archipelago, rainfall with dust from the Sahara is predicted, leading to the phenomenon of so-called blood rains or mud rains. The Atlantic front, in turn, will affect the weather in the northwestern part of the country, particularly in Galicia, where the sun will be replaced by systematic rainfall. The DANA phenomenon, previously known as "gota fría" (cold drop), regularly affects the Iberian Peninsula, but its occurrence in February following extremely high initial temperatures raises concerns among climatologists in the context of global changes. Experts such as Roberto Brasero or Sergio Escama note that March may continue the trend of high instability. Long-term forecasts suggest that after a brief return of sunshine next week, Spain can expect further barometric systems bringing moisture. This situation is significant because, despite full retention reservoirs in some regions, the thermal anomalies from the end of February are negatively impacting plant vegetation and water management in the long term. „Alerta a España de la llegada de fuertes lluvias, viento y oleaje: zonas afectadas por la dana” (Alert for Spain of the arrival of heavy rains, wind, and swell: areas affected by the DANA) — Roberto Brasero

Perspektywy mediów: Media emphasize the impact of climate change on anomalous warmth and sudden extreme phenomena. Reports focus mainly on practical weather aspects and warnings for agriculture and transport.

Mentioned People

  • Roberto Brasero — Well-known Spanish meteorologist warning about the effects of the DANA phenomenon.
  • Sergio Escama — Meteorologist predicting unstable weather in March.