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Storm Benjamin Hits Spain with Heavy Rain, Powerful Winds
Storm Benjamin in Spain The International Reporter
The International Reporter

Storm Benjamin Hits Spain with Heavy Rain, Powerful Winds

Spain is entering a new period of unstable weather as Storm Benjamin moves in, bringing widespread rain, strong winds, and severe coastal conditions. While southern regions, including Murcia, have already seen recent flash floods, Benjamin is expected to be the first storm of high impact for northern and central Spain this season, marking a clear shift to colder, more autumn-like conditions.

The storm, classified by AEMET as the first “high-impact” system of the season, is already producing significant effects, particularly in the north. Wind gusts have exceeded 160 km/h at Matxitxako (Bizkaia) and 136 km/h in Valdezcaray (La Rioja), while the rough seas in the Cantabrian region have forced the activation of red weather warnings.

Red Alerts on the Northern Coast as Waves Reach 8 Metres

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued red alerts for the coasts of Cantabria and the Basque Country, where waves are expected to reach between 7 and 8 metres. Winds from the west and northwest will continue to strengthen throughout the day, making maritime conditions extremely hazardous.

Further south and east, orange and yellow warnings are in effect across much of northern and eastern Spain, including Galicia, Asturias, Castilla y León, Cataluña, the Valencia region, and the Balearic Islands. In these areas, wind gusts of 70–100 km/h are likely, along with heavy rain and choppy seas.

Local authorities have advised residents to avoid coastal paths and harbours due to the risk of large waves and strong surf, and fishermen are being urged to remain in port.

Thursday Brings the Strongest Winds and Heaviest Rain

Thursday, October 23, is expected to be the worst day of the storm. The front associated with Benjamin will continue to move eastward across the peninsula, bringing intense rainfall and gusty winds.

The heaviest rain is expected across Galicia, the Cantabrian coast, the Pyrenees, and parts of northern Extremadura. In some areas of Galicia, rainfall totals have already exceeded 80 mm in 24 hours, with further downpours forecast through the morning.

By the afternoon, rain will gradually ease in the northwest, but strong winds will spread eastward, affecting Aragon, Cataluña, and the Balearic Islands by nightfall. Inland areas such as Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, and northern Andalucía may also experience showers or isolated storms.

The Weekend Forecast: More Rain and a Sharp Drop in Temperatures

While Storm Benjamin will begin to weaken by Friday, the weather is expected to remain unstable. According to Aemet, a new Atlantic system will arrive by the weekend, bringing heavier and more widespread rain to central and northern Spain.

This next front, fuelled by a “river of moisture” from the Atlantic, will interact with a polar jet stream, creating a very active weather pattern. Between Friday and Sunday, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across Extremadura, Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Aragón, Cataluña, and Navarra.

By Sunday, October 26, the rain will shift toward the Mediterranean, affecting Murcia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and parts of eastern Andalucía. Meteorologists are warning of intense downpours in Cataluña, where localised flooding could occur in low-lying areas.

Snow Returns to the Mountains

With the arrival of colder air from the north, snow will return to Spain’s mountain regions. The Cantabrian Mountains and the Pyrenees are expected to see the first significant snowfalls of the season, and lighter snow is possible in the Central System, northern Iberian System, and even Sierra Nevada.

Temperatures will drop noticeably over the weekend, with daytime highs feeling more like late November. Frost is likely in inland valleys and at higher altitudes, while wind chill will make conditions feel even colder across much of the north.

A True Shift to Autumn?

After weeks of unusually warm conditions known as “veroño” (a blend of verano and otoño, meaning a “summer-like autumn”), Storm Benjamin marks a clear turning point. The combination of rain, strong winds, and colder air will bring a decisive change to more typical autumn weather.

Meteorologists expect the unsettled pattern to continue into next week, with further Atlantic systems possibly affecting Spain. For now, residents are advised to stay updated through Aemet’s official alerts and take extra care near coastal and mountain areas.

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