New Atlantic Storm May Bring Rain to Spain This Week

Meteorologists are tracking an Atlantic system that could bring further rain to southern Spain and the Canary Islands this week. Forecast models point to a developing low-pressure area near Portugal and the Azores.

How the system could form

Models show a deep Atlantic trough moving south towards the Iberian Peninsula. That pattern can spawn a surface low and a cold isolated storm.

Meteorologists describe this set-up as a Borrasca Fría Aislada. It resembles a DANA but has a clearer surface low. If it strengthens enough, the storm could receive the name Samuel under the European naming system.

Large-scale drivers

Forecasters say a high-pressure block may build over northern Europe. The block could stretch across the UK, Sweden and Finland.

Such a Scandinavian blocking system tends to push Atlantic disturbances farther south. That shift can place Spain directly in the path of otherwise more northerly systems.

Timing and areas most at risk

The Canary Islands are likely to see the first effects. Models indicate rain could begin there from Wednesday, accompanied by south-westerly winds.

Mainland Spain may feel the impact as atmospheric patterns evolve toward an Omega blocking set-up by Thursday, March 19. That configuration can trap systems and prolong wet spells.

Regions to watch

• Canary Islands — showers from Wednesday, some heavy at times.
• Southwestern Spain — western Extremadura and parts of Andalusia may see above-average totals.
• Balearic Islands and Mediterranean coast — risk of further rain in the final week of March.
• Galicia and the Cantabrian coast — models suggest drier conditions for the short term.

Precipitation outlook and numbers

European forecast anomaly maps indicate higher-than-normal rainfall in southwestern sectors. Western Extremadura and parts of Andalusia could exceed seasonal averages by about 10 to 30 litres per square metre.

Forecasters note medium-range uncertainty. Rain amounts and exact locations could change as models update.

Impacts and advice

Residents and expats in Andalusia, the Costa del Sol, Alicante and the Balearic Islands should monitor forecasts. Recent rain has helped reservoirs, but more persistent showers can disrupt travel and tourism.

Authorities and the public are advised to follow updates from national weather services. A new Atlantic storm may bring rain to Spain this week, so check local warnings before making plans.