Spain is on weather alert as extreme DANA threatens to cause travel disruption, flooding and snowfall

Forecasters are warning that Spain could be in for a tough few days. A powerful DANA system is expected to form just off its southern coast. This will bring heavy rain, and snow, as well as unstable conditions, across large areas of the peninsula.

According to AEMETAs a new Atlantic system approaches, it will be quiet, but clouds will build over the western part of the country. But by Friday night and into Saturday, conditions could deteriorate quickly if the DANA forms over the Gulf of Cádiz, something meteorologists are now watching closely.

Galicia is already feeling the impact

Galicia has already seen the first signs, as yellow weather alerts are still in effect for heavy rainfall and rough waters.

Downpours are expected to be particularly intense in the Rías Baixas, with Pontevedra likely to see the worst of it. In parts of A Coruña, rainfall totals could exceed 40 litres per square metre in just 12 hours, enough to cause localised flooding in vulnerable areas.

The conditions along the coast are also becoming dangerous. Strong swells are pushing waves up to four and five metres high towards the shorelines of the west and north-west. This has prompted warnings about maritime activity. Authorities warn residents to avoid exposed coastal areas, as seas are becoming more unpredictable.

Other areas of the country, such as the central plateaus and the Ebro Valley, could experience thick morning fog, which may make early travel more difficult.

Snow falls in central Spain

The Atlantic front will continue eastwards into Friday and rain will fall across western Spain. This is followed by a drop in temperature.

The colder air will cause snow to fall on higher terrain, especially in Montes de Toledo (the Central System) and Montes de Toledo. Snow levels will fall between 1,200 and 1,400 meters in the northwest and 1,500 and 1,800 metres in the central area, enough to impact mountain routes and rural areas.

There are also higher rainfall totals expected in mountainous areas, such as Cantabrian Range. Saturated ground could make travel and runoff conditions worse.

Alert: Andalusia, the Mediterranean and other regions

However, the greatest threat is further south. If the DANA fully develops near the Gulf of Cádiz, western Andalusia could see episodes of intense rain and thunderstorms, some of them potentially strong.

Instability is expected to spread over the weekend towards the Mediterranean. This will affect the Alboran Coast, Murcia and parts of Ceuta, Melilla, and even the Alboran Coast. This area could see sudden downpours or storms, as well as a dip in temperature.

Conditions in the north west may stabilize briefly, while conditions in much of the South cool down. This highlights the unpredictable and uneven nature of the system.

Canary Islands also affected by Stormy Weather

You can also find out more about the following: Canary Islands They are also on the firing line. Forecasts indicate heavy rains and thunderstorms on the northern slopes.

A mix of snowfall, strong winds and colder weather is possible at high altitudes. This unusual combination could catch residents by surprise. Weather will remain unsettling into Sunday, particularly in exposed areas.

Keep an eye on the latest updates

AEMET emphasizes that the situation is fluid and forecasts are likely to change as the DANA’s path becomes more clear. Residents of affected areas are encouraged to monitor official updates and avoid unnecessary travel at times of heavy rainfall. They should also take extra precautions near rivers, coasts, and mountain roads.

Spain is about to enter one of the worst weather periods of the year. Rain, snow, winds and rough seas are all predicted within a short period of time.