After an unusually stormy start to May, Spain is heading into another week of unsettled weather. A new DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) – known in English as an Isolated Depression at High Levels – is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and cooler temperatures to much of the country from Monday onwards.

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What Is a DANA?

A DANA is a cold air pocket that separates from the jet stream at high altitudes and drifts slowly across a region. These systems often bring intense, unpredictable weather, including thunderstorms, hail, and localized flooding. Spain is particularly vulnerable to DANAs, especially in spring and autumn, due to the contrast between warm surface air and cold upper-level air.

A Weekend of Sunshine Before the Storms Return

This weekend will be mostly dry and sunny across Spain. Temperatures are expected to rise above 25ºC in many areas, with a typical spring feel. However, this calm will be short-lived. Weather models show the DANA forming near the Azores on Saturday, then moving toward Portugal’s west coast by Sunday.

Rain Begins in the Northwest on Sunday Afternoon

As the DANA nears the Iberian Peninsula, the first signs of instability will appear. From Sunday afternoon, Galicia, the Cantabrian coast, and inland mountainous areas like the Central and Iberian Systems will begin to see scattered showers and local thunderstorms.

These could be stronger in Galicia, possibly bringing lightning, gusty winds, and brief downpours, especially in the western and northern parts of the region.

Widespread Storms Expected from Monday

The core of the DANA will arrive on Monday, triggering more widespread and intense weather. Showers and thunderstorms are likely to spread across much of the northern half of the country, affecting:

• Galicia
• Castilla y León
• Madrid region
• Navarra
• La Rioja
• Aragón
• Cataluña, especially the northeast
• Pyrenees

These areas may experience persistent and locally heavy rain, with some places receiving over 30 litres per square metre. Conditions may vary by the hour, with clear skies suddenly turning stormy.

Eastern and Southern Regions Less Affected – But Not Excluded

While the south, southeast, and Mediterranean coast will likely avoid the worst of the weather, they are not completely in the clear. Some models suggest brief downpours or isolated storms could reach parts of Andalucía, the Valencian Community, Murcia, and even the Balearic Islands, especially on Tuesday as the DANA exits east through the Mediterranean.

Temperature Drop and Possible Hail

With the arrival of colder air at high altitudes, temperatures will fall, particularly in Galicia and the northwest, where the drop could reach 8 to 10ºC between Sunday and Monday. Storms could also bring hail, especially in higher elevations like the Pyrenees and Iberian System.

A Complicated and Uncertain Forecast

One of the challenges with DANAs is their unpredictable movement. A small shift in direction can change the forecast dramatically. Meteorologists are also watching for signs that another DANA could develop later in the week, possibly extending stormy conditions into Thursday or Friday.

The latest updates suggest that while the main DANA will exit into the Mediterranean around Tuesday, cool air will linger at higher levels until midweek, keeping the atmosphere unstable.

Stay Alert and Check Local Updates

With high uncertainty in the forecast, especially regarding the path of the DANA, it’s important to stay updated through local weather services and alerts. If you live in a flood-prone area or plan to travel early next week, keep a close eye on the forecast.

Main image: Shutterstock-Viktor Gladkov