Spain’s May bank holiday weekend is set to begin with a sharp shift in the weather, as unstable conditions bring the risk of thunderstorms, heavy showers and sudden downpours across large parts of the country.
After a relatively calm Thursday, the atmosphere is expected to turn more unsettled from Friday onwards, particularly across the north and east of the peninsula.
Storm risk spreads across Spain
According to state weather agency Aemet, Friday will see the highest risk of storms in areas such as the Pyrenees, Valencia, eastern Castilla-La Mancha and inland Murcia.
These showers could be intense at times, bringing lightning, hail and strong gusts of wind especially during the afternoon and evening.
Yellow weather warnings have been issued for parts of Andalucia, Castilla-La Mancha and Murcia, starting from mid-afternoon on Thursday.
What it means for Andalucia
For Andalucia, the picture is more mixed.
Storms are possible, particularly in eastern and mountainous areas, where isolated heavy downpours and thunder cannot be ruled out. However, the region is not expected to be among the worst affected.
Western Andalucia – including provinces like Sevilla, Malaga, Huelva and Cadiz – is likely to see more stable conditions overall, with largely dry weather and only the chance of occasional, scattered showers.
Temperatures will remain warm, with Sevilla expected to approach 30C on Friday despite the unsettled outlook elsewhere.
Weekend outlook
The unstable pattern is expected to continue into the weekend, with further showers and storms affecting northern and eastern Spain.
In Andalucía, conditions should stay relatively calmer by comparison, though brief storms could still develop in deep inland areas.
Temperatures may dip slightly on Saturday, but overall will remain typical for early May.
The coasts will remain dry apart from a small risk of showers on Saturday.
Travel warning
The weather shift coincides with a major travel period, with millions expected to hit the roads for the long weekend.
Drivers are being urged to check forecasts before travelling, particularly in areas where storms could reduce visibility or cause sudden changes in conditions.
