Barcelona is set for a break from its prolonged heatwave, with cooler temperatures and a chance of rain expected from Sunday 16 August. After weeks of sweltering conditions, forecasters predict a shift in the weather pattern that could bring much-needed relief to the Catalan capital.
This Thursday, 13 August, the city recorded highs of 33°C and a high humidity level, making conditions feel particularly oppressive. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) reported a maximum thermal sensation of 35°C, though the city was not under a yellow alert for extreme heat. Minimum temperatures reached 26°C.
From Friday 14 August, temperatures are expected to fall gradually. AEMET’s seven-day forecast shows maximums dropping from 35°C on Friday to 32°C by Sunday and Monday. This cooling trend coincides with an increasing chance of precipitation.
Risk of rain increases from Sunday
Meteocat, Catalonia’s meteorological service, and AEMET both indicate a significant chance of rain beginning Sunday 16 August. AEMET data shows a 40% probability of rainfall on Sunday, rising to 85% on Monday 17 August and remaining high through Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 August.
According to Meteocat, rainfall probabilities could reach between 65% and 75% over the weekend. While no widespread or intense storms are expected, isolated showers are likely to affect the city, potentially disrupting outdoor plans.
Heatwave easing, but not over
Despite the cooler spell, meteorologists warn that August will remain warmer than average overall. The current respite is expected to be temporary, with conditions likely to stabilise again in the third week of the month.
Earlier in the week, Meteocat issued a heat alert for several regions across Catalonia, including Vallès Oriental, Baix Llobregat and Alt Penedès, due to extreme temperatures. However, no such alert is currently active for Barcelona city.
"These days of extreme heat may be coming to an end, or at least pausing," said Meteocat, noting that rainfall could become more frequent in the coming week.
Residents are advised to monitor updates from AEMET’s official forecast page for real-time changes, as models may shift in the coming days.
Reported by Andrea Valenzuela García, mundodeportivo.com, Agencia Estatal de Meteorología, Gerard Mateo, france24.com, okdiario.com, written by Else Beekman, thelocal.es, Xavi Segura, Miranda Pell, metropoliabierta.cat.
