Take advantage of Spain’s sunshine as Atlantic rain threatens the start of next week

Coastal residents are being encouraged to make the most of the weekend, with Saturday offering a welcome opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities before an Atlantic weather system brings rain and unsettled conditions to parts of the country next week.

From beach strolls and charity walkathons to exploring local markets, enjoying a round of golf or simply making the most of a sunny terrace, Saturday and Sunday morning look like the best opportunity to get outside.

The reason not to leave those outdoor plans until Monday is an Atlantic front pushing in from the west, with the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) forecasting successive fronts bringing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds.

Saturday offers the best opportunity for outdoor plans

Much of southern and eastern mainland Spain should enjoy sunshine or sunny intervals on Saturday, November 7, with temperatures set to stay relatively pleasant along the Mediterranean coast.

Malaga, Granada, Almeria, Murcia, Alicante and Valencia are among the areas where residents should have an opportunity to enjoy the better conditions.

However, it will not be dry everywhere. Galicia and parts of north-western Spain are already expected to experience rain, while the Canary Islands will see increasingly unsettled conditions as the weekend progresses.

Sunday brings the first signs of change

Conditions are expected to become more unsettled on Sunday afternoon, November 8, as a deep area of low pressure approaches from the Atlantic. Rain will become more frequent across western Spain, particularly Galicia, Extremadura and western Andalusia, where some showers could be heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms.

Eastern parts of the mainland should fare better, with the Mediterranean coast generally less affected. Mallorca is also expected to escape the worst of the approaching Atlantic weather system, although isolated showers cannot be ruled out.

Monday brings the bigger weather change

Successive Atlantic fronts are expected to cross the western peninsula on Monday, November 9, and Tuesday, November 10. Civil Protection has warned of potentially heavy and persistent rainfall, particularly in south-western Andalucia, Extremadura, the Gredos mountain range and Galicia’s Atlantic-facing areas.

Malaga Province should also prepare for a wetter start to the week, with AEMET forecasting a high probability of rain in the provincial capital. Further east, showers are possible across Granada and Almeria, although rainfall is expected to be more scattered along the Mediterranean-facing regions.

The approaching system will also bring strong winds and difficult sea conditions. Waves could reach five to six metres along western Galicia and approach four metres off western Andalusia.

Check the latest warnings before travelling

Civil Protection has warned that heavy downpours could be bad enough to cause localised flooding and rising river levels. Drivers are advised to avoid flooded roads, slow down in heavy rain and never attempt to cross water-covered roads or ramblas. Anyone planning to travel should check AEMET’s latest weather warnings before setting off.

Residents who experienced the recent rain warnings along Spain’s Mediterranean coast will know how quickly conditions can change.

For now, the message is simple: make hay while the sun shines, particularly on Saturday, because next week is looking considerably wetter.