Weather warning issued for Hurricane Gabrielle in Spain

Spain is preparing for weather that will be anything but normal. The weather service AEMET confirmed that remnants from Hurricane Gabrielle were on their way to Spain. While the system would lose strength before it arrived, it still could shake up the atmosphere with sudden downpours and gusty wind.

This is the latest twist to what has been a very stop-start autumn. A season that can change from warm summer days to fall storms almost over night.

From summer heat to Autumn storms

The weekend was warm and sticky in many parts of the United States. It felt more like late July than September. This has changed. AEMET The northwest has brought a blast of colder weather, which has lowered temperatures across the country.

Mario Picazo, a weather expert, summarized the situation simply: “The summer heat has passed and autumn has arrived with a vengeance.” It’s colder air that has taken over. This means storms, cooler weather and unsettled sky, especially in the Balearic Islands and north.

Now, we are focusing on the beginning of the week. On Monday and Tuesday, September 22 and 23, there were fresh conditions in most of Spain. Rain showers are expected along the Mediterranean coast and the northern part of the country. By Wednesday, cold air will begin to drift towards the Mediterranean. However, it won’t leave behind its marks of cloudy skies and patchy rain.

Then comes the weekend – and with it, the shadow of Gabrielle.

Gabrielle: what to expect

AEMET predicts that Gabrielle will not be a category 1 hurricane when it reaches Spain. After passing the Azores, Gabrielle is expected to be downgraded into a system of storms. Forecasters warn, however, that the storm system could still be dangerous when it passes over the Iberian Peninsula.

Galicia in the northwest, and especially the north-west, will be the most affected, with heavy rains and strong winds. Other regions may simply notice cloudier skies and sudden bursts of rain – but the exact path is still uncertain, meaning forecasts could change quickly in the coming days.

Meteorologists say that Gabrielle’s remnants will not bring about a situation like a Caribbean Hurricane, but it is rare enough for people to be surprised. This also highlights how unsettling this September was, with storms and heatwaves fighting for control over Spain’s skies.

Picazo stated that “September in Spain has always been a month full of change.” The summer seems to be dragging on, and then you find yourself in the middle autumn storms. Gabrielle’s story is just another reminder of the speed at which things can change.

Looking ahead: A week of surprises

What can people expect from the day? For those living in the north and northeast, keep an umbrella handy – thunderstorms could pop up at short notice. The temperatures in the south may rise a bit midweek, before dropping again as Gabrielle’s remnants pass. Balearic Islands should also be on high alert for storms.

The storm could cause travel problems, particularly for travellers heading to Galicia and those who fly in or out of northern airports. AEMET is going to issue updated warnings as the track of Gabrielle becomes more clear.

But the bigger picture is that Spain has entered autumn after a series of weeks of extreme weather. Residents are used to the unpredictable climate this year.

The advice for now is to keep an eye out on the forecasts and prepare yourself for rain. Don’t be surprised when the weekend feels like it belongs in November rather than September.