May began with rain in several regions of Spain, offering a respite to areas facing drought but leaving others waiting for much needed water. Meteorologists describe this pattern as typical for spring bridging into early summer, with storms forming along the Atlantic and moving from Galicia toward the northern edge of Catalonia. Across the country, the week ahead is poised to bring additional precipitation, especially to the northwest and central northern zones, as atmospheric fronts interact with cooler air to spark showers and, in some spots, thunderstorms. Weather models indicate a progressive increase in cloud cover during the early hours, followed by clearer skies in many inland regions as the week unfolds, though a few light showers could linger in coastal areas. The overall trend is a mix of rain and sunshine, with rainfall amounts expected to be modest in most places but with locally heavier bursts capable of easing dry pockets in certain basins. Cited forecast: AEMET attribution [attribution: AEMET]
Today and through the opening of the workweek, cloudiness is forecast to dominate the eastern peninsula and the Balearic Islands, with only light precipitation possible in scattered locales. Rainfall, if it occurs, is unlikely to be heavy and should quickly diminish as the day progresses. As Tuesday arrives, the cloud cover is expected to break up gradually in these zones, bringing intervals of sunshine and improving visibility for outdoor plans. The trend toward clearer skies will vary by region, but the overall pattern suggests a stabilization in several eastern and southern areas by midweek. [Source: AEMET]
Across the northwest and central belt of the peninsula, the interaction of persistent Atlantic fronts with cooler air will spark the most active periods. Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Navarra, and Catalonia are expected to see the most frequent showers as different front systems converge and advance. Cooler air inflows will also promote cloud development and precipitation, particularly along western Galicia’s coastal corridors, where sea breezes can enhance shower activity. While this northern corridor bears the brunt of rain at times, other northern communities should still prepare for periodic wet spells as fronts move in and out. In the rest of the north, rain may arrive in waves, mixed with periods of sunshine, creating a variable but navigable forecast for outdoor activities. [Source: AEMET]
Even with these wet spells, the northern regions should not miss occasional sun breaks. The sun’s appearances will punctuate days between showers, offering moments of warmth amid shifting clouds and reminding travelers and residents to stay ready for sudden changes. The overall impression is a spring in transition, where moisture is interlaced with light, intermittent brightness. [Attribution: AEMET]
The evolution of the surface situation over the coming 72 hours is summarized in the current forecast graphics issued by national meteorological agencies. The latest visuals illustrate a dynamic pattern: fronts advancing from the Atlantic, a cooling trend over inland zones, and pockets of rainfall skimming coastal sectors. The sequence indicates the main activity will be concentrated in the northwest to northern interior, with drier conditions gradually spreading southward as the week matures. [AEMET forecast notes]
changing temperatures
Temperature swings remain the hallmark of May as spring settles into early summer. Expect a continual tug-of-war between warm spells and cooler air. In the Guadalquivir valley and other southern basins, afternoon highs can flirt with the upper limits of the mid-30s Celsius on several days, though these peaks are typically followed by cooler nights that bring welcome relief. In contrast, higher latitudes and coastal regions of the north will experience milder days and cooler nights, with daytime temperatures hovering in the mid- teens to low 20s Celsius during the workweek. The weekend tends to bring a gentle retreat in temperatures, with a more balanced pattern where daytime warmth softens and nights grow noticeably cooler but not extreme. Meanwhile, eastern coastal areas and the Balearic Islands may see a modest uptick in weekend temperatures, yet not to the same extreme levels observed further south. [Source: AEMET]
Overall, May kicks off with rain in the north and higher heat in the south, while rainfall expands across more regions as the week progresses. Temperatures are expected to stabilize into a more typical spring pattern as the days advance. Weather watchers emphasize that spring remains changeable, and it is wise to stay prepared for shifting conditions, including sudden showers and short-lived gusts. [Cited: AEMET]