New DANA targets seven areas in Spain as storms and hail risk intensify

A new weather system is set to hit Spain today, with forecasters warning that a developing DANA will bring intense storms, possible hail and strong wind gusts across several regions. Unlike recent short-lived alerts, this episode is being driven by a more unstable air mass, raising the risk of sudden downpours and localised disruption.

According to AEMET, Spain’s official weather authority, the system will mainly affect inland and eastern parts of the country, where rising temperatures and atmospheric instability are combining to create volatile storm conditions. The agency has highlighted seven key zones where conditions could turn severe over the coming hours.

Predicción semanal:

Hoy: por la tarde en el nordeste peninsular chubascos con tormentas y rachas de viento fuertes.

Martes: en el norte peninsular, chubascos acompañados de tormenta y rachas de viento fuertes. Calima en el oeste peninsular.

Miércoles: predominio de sol.
[1/2] pic.twitter.com/Obt2kMEvoR

— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) April 20, 2026

Which areas are most at risk today

The most exposed regions include parts of the centre, east and northeast, where storm cells are expected to develop rapidly during the afternoon and evening. Areas in Castilla-La Mancha, Madrid, Aragon, Catalonia and inland Valencia are among those likely to see the strongest activity.

These storms may bring short but intense bursts of rain, accompanied by hail and wind gusts that could exceed typical spring conditions. While coastal zones may see more scattered activity, inland areas are expected to experience the highest level of instability.

Why this DANA is different from recent alerts

Although Spain has seen several storm warnings in recent weeks, this event is being driven by a DANA, a high-altitude low-pressure system that can significantly increase atmospheric instability. This makes conditions harder to predict and raises the likelihood of sudden, localised weather extremes.

Unlike broader weather fronts that move steadily across the country, a DANA can remain relatively stationary, intensifying storms in specific areas over a short period of time. This is why authorities are warning of rapidly changing conditions rather than prolonged rainfall.

What this means for daily life and travel

For residents and travellers, the main concern is not duration but intensity. Sudden downpours could lead to localised flooding, especially in urban areas with poor drainage. Strong wind gusts may also impact road travel, particularly on open routes and higher ground.

Air travel is less likely to face widespread disruption, but isolated delays cannot be ruled out if storms intensify near major airports. Drivers are being advised to remain cautious during peak storm hours, particularly in the late afternoon.

What to watch in the coming hours

Weather conditions are expected to evolve quickly throughout the day, with the highest risk window typically developing from mid-afternoon onwards. Authorities recommend staying updated through official channels and being prepared for sudden changes, especially in the highlighted regions.

While the system is not expected to affect the entire country uniformly, its unpredictable nature means that even areas outside the main zones could see brief but intense weather episodes. For the latest nationwide updates, visit our Spain Weather page.