Catalonia will experience a temporary reduction in rainfall today, with afternoon showers becoming more localised in the Pyrenees, the north-east, and the Ports area. However, meteorologists predict that showers and thunderstorms will increase again from Thursday, intensifying towards the weekend.
This follows a period of irregular but heavy downpours across several counties yesterday, which brought localised hailstorms and significant water accumulation. Notable rainfall included 46 litres per square metre (l/m²) at the Darnius-Boadella reservoir in Alt Empordà, 31 l/m² in Banyoles (Pla de l'Estany), 23 l/m² in Rellinars (Vallès Occidental), and 21 l/m² in Montserrat. Temperatures dropped sharply where the rain was heaviest.
Reduced Showers Today
Residents woke to a rather cold and clear morning today, with widespread fog and some low clouds, particularly in inland plains and valleys. Tramuntana and Mistral winds will blow temporarily in the Ebre region and northern Alt Empordà during the early hours. By mid-morning and midday, cloud cover will increase, bringing new afternoon showers and thunderstorms, but these will be much more localised.
These showers are expected to concentrate mainly in parts of the Pyrenees, the northern Girona counties, the Ports area, the Castelló counties, and the island of Mallorca. Meteocat has issued alerts for intense rain in some Girona counties, where more than 20 l/m² could fall in just half an hour, according to officials.
The rest of Catalonia will remain calmer, with more sunshine than clouds. Minimum temperatures have fallen further, dropping below 10°C in the pre-coastal and inland areas, and below 5°C in the Pyrenees, with frosts at higher altitudes. Maximum temperatures will remain similar and normal for this time of year, generally ranging between 17°C and 23°C.
Spring Showers to Return
Instability will increase again on Thursday, with showers and thunderstorms returning irregularly across the region. These will primarily affect areas in the south, the pre-coastal strip, the interior, and the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees. This changeable and unsettled weather is expected to continue through Friday and the weekend, with precipitation distributed very unevenly.
There is no clear end in sight for this varied weather, typical of May, as cold air pockets will continue to arrive at high altitudes. These conditions will ensure the growth of powerful afternoon clouds, according to meteorologists. Thermometers will show few changes, remaining steady with generally fresh to mild conditions.
