The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has updated its forecast for Monday, 2 December 2024, predicting significant weather changes in Spain and the Canary Islands. A developing DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) will bring unstable weather, especially to the western Canary Islands, while other regions of Spain will experience varied weather conditions, including rain, fog, and potential snowfall.
Weather Impact Across Spain
- Northern Spain:
A cold front will sweep through the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula, bringing weak showers. In the Pyrenees, rain may turn to snow as the freezing level drops to 1,700–1,900 metres. Heavier rainfall is expected in the Cantabrian region, and light precipitation could spread to the southern plateau, western Andalusia, and the Baetic Systems. - Fog Warnings:
Several areas, including Navarra, La Rioja, Lleida, Tarragona, Huesca, Teruel, and Zaragoza, are under a fog advisory. Visibility in these regions may drop to just 200 metres. Girona faces a coastal risk due to strong northerly winds (50–60 km/h) causing waves up to 3 metres. - Baleares:
Occasional showers may occur late in the day, with skies clearing west to east after the passage of the cold front.
Weather in the Canary Islands
- DANA’s Effects:
Aemet forecasts unstable weather in the western Canary Islands due to the presence of a DANA. While there is uncertainty about its exact position, it is likely to bring heavy and/or persistent rain and thunderstorms over the ocean. However, these could extend to the western islands. - Eastern Islands:
More stable conditions with high cloud intervals are predicted. - Trade Winds:
Light to moderate trade winds will dominate across the islands.
Temperature Changes
- Maximum Temperatures:
Significant drops are expected in the Cantabrian region, while eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands will see a slight increase. - Minimum Temperatures:
A decrease is anticipated in the Canary Islands, the Cantabrian region, and western Spain, with little change elsewhere. Frosts are likely in the mountain ranges of northern Spain.
Wind Patterns
- Spain Mainland:
Easterly winds will blow in the Strait of Gibraltar and Alborán, shifting to westerly winds. Northern winds will prevail in Galicia, and westerly winds will dominate other regions, ranging from weak inland to moderate along the coasts. - Strong Winds:
Strong gusts are expected in Ampurdán by the evening as northwesterly winds (tramontana) intensify. - Canary Islands:
Light to moderate trade winds will continue to influence the region.
This Monday’s weather brings a mix of conditions across Spain, from snowfall and fog in the north to unstable, stormy weather in the Canary Islands due to the DANA. The eastern Canary Islands will experience more stable weather with high clouds, while the western islands should prepare for the potential of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Residents across Spain and the Canary Islands are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and plan accordingly.
