Jorge Rey is not your average teenager. At just 17 years old, he has become one of Spain’s most well-known meteorologists, earning a reputation for his accurate weather predictions. His fame skyrocketed in early 2020 when he accurately predicted the arrival of Storm Filomena, catching the attention of major news outlets. Since then, he has built a following of over 96,000 people on Instagram, where he continues to share his weather forecasts, often ahead of Spain’s official weather service, AEMET.

The Cabañuelas Method: A Traditional Weather Forecasting Technique

What sets Jorge apart is his use of the traditional method of ‘cabañuelas.’ This weather forecasting technique has been used for centuries, particularly in rural Spain. The cabañuelas method involves observing the atmospheric changes during the first 12, 18, or 24 days of January (or August) and using these observations to predict the weather for the upcoming months. Although not scientifically based, the cabañuelas have been relied upon for generations, particularly in farming communities. Jorge first became interested in weather at the age of seven, spending time observing nature, birds, and insects, with a local shepherd, Rafa, teaching him the nuances of weather patterns.

From Local Radio to Social Media: Jorge’s Growing Popularity

Jorge’s early passion led him to start giving weather forecasts at just 14 years old on Radio Espinosa Merindades in his hometown of Monasterio de Rodilla, Burgos. He has since expanded his reach, launching his own website, ‘El tiempo con JR,‘ where he shares his predictions and in-depth weather information. His dream is to become an official meteorologist, but his use of cabañuelas has already made him a respected figure in Spanish weather circles.

Jorge Rey’s Winter 2024 Predictions and the Impact of La Niña

Recently, Jorge made headlines again with his forecast for the winter of 2024. According to his predictions, Spain could experience a colder and snowier winter than the previous year. The snow last winter was brief, thanks to higher temperatures and a lack of snowfalls, but this year, Jorge anticipates a reversal in the weather patterns.

El ANTICICLÓN se DEBILITA dando paso a la llegada de ¿frentes polares? pic.twitter.com/cVFs7tDTPJ

— 𝙅orge 𝙍ey (@eltiempoconjr) December 27, 2024

What is La Niña and How Will It Affect Spain?

The young meteorologist also addressed the impact of La Niña, a climatic phenomenon that is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming winter. La Niña occurs when the waters of the Pacific Ocean cool down, which disrupts weather patterns worldwide. In Spain, this could lead to colder temperatures, especially in the northern regions such as Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country. These areas may face more frequent and prolonged rainfall, creating a wetter and colder winter than usual.

For the interior of Spain, particularly in the plateaus and mountainous regions, Jorge warns that the cold could lead to intensified frosts. These conditions could pose challenges to sectors such as agriculture, which may suffer from crop damage due to persistent cold and humidity. Additionally, Jorge suggests that strong winds or localized storms could make the winter even more challenging, especially in areas where La Niña’s effects are most pronounced.

Looking Ahead

Though his predictions are not official, Jorge Rey’s method of forecasting, combined with his understanding of La Niña and the traditional cabañuelas, continues to draw attention. His forecasts may offer a glimpse of what’s to come in Spain’s weather over the next few months, and many are eager to see if his predictions come true.