Heavy rains across Spain in the coming week due to polar jet stream

Spain is bracing itself for a week-long period of heavy rains as a polar Jetstream makes its way through the country. This will bring widespread downpours, and stormy weather to the entire Peninsula.

According to the European climate model, rain will fall on almost the whole country. In some regions, between 50 and150 litres of rainfall per square metre are expected by the end week.

Galicia, Andalucía and Extremadura among the most affected regions

Experts from Meteored Explain that the Iberian Peninsula is likely to see the most precipitation anomalies of all Europe. Rainfall will be well above the average for the season, particularly in the western and southwest areas.

Regions such as Galicia, Andalucía and Extremadura are likely to be hit hardest, where accumulations could range from 50 to 150 litres per square metre. In mountainous terrains such as Sierra de Gredos, or Sierra Morena for example, rainfall may even reach 150l per sq m.

On the western coast of A Coruña and Pontevedra, very heavy rain is also expected, while in the Sierra de Gredos, totals could be 60 to 90 litres higher than usual, driven by humid south-westerly winds.

Seville, Madrid, and Barcelona to experience significant rainfall

It’s not just rural areas that will be affected by bad weather. Cities such as Seville and Cádiz could see more than 70 litres per square metre, while Cáceres, Badajoz, Córdoba, Huelva and Tarragona may record around 40 to 50 litres.

Meanwhile, Madrid, Barcelona, Jaén and Ciudad Real could also receive more than 30 litres per square metre, according to the European model quoted by Meteored.

Low-pressure systems and atmospheric rivers to the south

Meteorologists attribute the wet spell in Spain to the North Atlantic Oscillation pattern (NAO), which pushes low-pressure systems southwards than normal. This configuration allows atmospheric rivers laden with moisture to enter Spain and generate persistent and widespread rain.

There will be a front that will affect the mountains in the west and southwest, but there may also be rain or localized storms in the Mediterranean.

Expected persistent rain throughout the week

Forecasts show that rain is expected to continue throughout the week. It will move from west towards east. Rain will fall in most of Spain. Although it will differ depending on where you are, rain is expected to be felt throughout the country, but especially in the southwest quadrant.

Authorities have advised residents to remain alert and follow weather updates.