High temperatures across Spain, with rain in the northwest

Spain is set for a weekend of sharp contrasts: strong storms in the northwest and unusually high temperatures across much of the country. Galicia and the eastern Cantabrian region are expected to see heavy showers and thunderstorms on Saturday.

The State Meteorological Agency said a DANA approaching from the west will increase instability over the peninsula. Cloudy skies and storms are expected in the northwest, with storms also possible elsewhere in the Cantabrian region and in Extremadura. Most storms will bring little rain, but those in Galicia, Asturias and northwestern Castilla and León could be heavy and accompanied by hail.

Elsewhere, conditions will remain generally stable, with mostly clear skies in the Balearic Islands. Temperatures will stay high for the time of year. Highs should exceed 35 degrees Celsius across most inland areas and could reach 40 degrees in parts of the southwest and northeast. Minimum temperatures will also rise, especially on the plateaus, with large areas facing tropical nights when temperatures may not fall below 25 degrees.

The agency had issued an orange alert, indicating significant danger, across Valencia province because of the heat. Maximum temperatures are expected to rise along the Alboran coast, in northern Galicia and in the far southwest, while they will fall in the Cantabrian area, the southern half and central Spain.

Winds will include tramontana in Empordà and Menorca, moderate winds along the northern and Alboran coasts, and strong intervals in the Strait of Gibraltar. The Canary Islands will have cloudy skies, isolated showers and thunderstorms in high areas, temperatures locally above 35 degrees and possible overnight lows of 25 degrees. Trade winds there may include strong and very strong gusts.