Yellow alert in Spain: The 4 PM ‘storm window’ that could bring hail and 80km/h winds today

The series of Yellow Alerts from AEMET On Saturday, 18 April 2026, a warning has been issued for “locally intensive” thunderstorms, which will affect the interior of Spain in the afternoon. Driven by unseasonably high temperatures of 30°C clashing with cold air at altitude, the most significant risks are in Castilla y León, Madrid, and La Rioja, where wind gusts may exceed 80 km/h.

Meteorologists stress that these storms can form in 30 minutes and turn a sunny, clear day into a dangerous weather event. Residents and weekend travelers are advised to monitor the radar between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM, as sudden downpours of 20 liters per m² are expected to hit inland regions.

Particular areas at Risk of Storms and Hail

The warning focuses mainly on the areas of central, eastern and north-eastern inland, including

• Castilla-La Mancha
• Madrid Region
• Interior of Valencia and Murcia
• Parts of Aragón and Catalonia

Locally strong thunderstorms could occur in these areas. Hail and wind gusts may reach 60 km/h. The coastal zones, which include much of the Mediterranean coastline, should remain stable, but isolated storms can’t be ruled out in the afternoon.

Expect rapid weather changes from Friday to Sunday

AEMET predicts that the instability will increase on Friday, before spreading to more areas on Saturday. Conditions will remain unsettling into Sunday depending on the evolution of the system.

This pattern can quickly lead to storms later in the day. Combining warm surface air with colder upper-level air creates the conditions that lead to convective weather, which is known for its sudden and unpredictable nature.

What this means to travel and daily plans

The main concern for residents and expats is the rapidity of change. Hail and sudden downpours can reduce visibility, making roads dangerous. This is especially true on elevated routes and inland routes.

Storm activity will be localised, but could be intense.