Catalonia is set to experience a sharp increase in temperatures this week, with summer-like conditions expected across most of the region. After a period of instability and scattered showers, an anticyclone will bring clear skies and temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above average, according to Catalan.News' source.
Rainfall and storms affected many areas at the start of the week, particularly along the coast, in the north-east, and in the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees. Sant Feliu de Guíxols in Baix Empordà recorded an exceptional 91 litres per square metre, while Torrelavit in Alt Penedès saw over 70 l/m². Other significant downpours included 62 l/m² in Llagostera (Gironès) and 52 l/m² in Castell d’Aro (Baix Empordà).
Temperatures Rising Steadily
Showers and thunderstorms were expected to continue into the evening, mainly in the north-east, Central Catalonia, and the Pyrenees. However, this unsettled weather will lessen in the coming days, though some afternoon showers may still occur in the Pyrenees and north-east on Tuesday.
The anticyclone will gradually establish itself, bringing calmer conditions. The main weather story for the week will be the consistent rise in temperatures. By mid-to-late week, summer weather will dominate, with inland areas reaching 30°C. The first 35°C of the year are possible in Ponent and the south of Catalonia.
Warm Conditions Expected
Tuesday will see instability decrease, but not disappear entirely. Afternoon clouds are expected to develop, bringing irregular showers to parts of the Pyrenees and the north-east, with some locally intense storms. Meteocat has maintained an alert for heavy rain in some areas.
Despite this, no further widespread showers are expected, with sunshine and calm conditions dominating most of the country. High, thin cloud bands will also cross the region. Temperatures will start to climb significantly, both day and night, with warmer conditions in the middle of the day. Already, 30°C could be reached between Ponent and the interior of the Ebre, while most maximums will range between 22°C and 27°C across the country.
Summer Air Arrives
Thermometers will continue to rise day after day. Strong solar radiation typical for this time of year, combined with the anticyclone, will ensure warm conditions that will peak by mid-to-late week. Many inland locations will reach 30°C, and the first 35°C of the year are possible in Ponent and the interior of the Ebre. These values are significantly higher than typical for mid-to-late May, bringing air more characteristic of summer than late spring. In short, Catalonia will transition from one extreme to another in just a few days, with widespread calm and sunshine and no new rain expected in the medium term.
