Alert for the peak of the easterly storm in the coming hours

BarcelonaThe main event of the storm is here. This Monday, the updraft driven by the Mediterranean storm. Harry Rain has returned to many areas, with more snow in the Pyrenees and a worsening maritime storm. Between 50 and 80 liters per square meter were recorded on Monday in the Alt Empordà and Pla de l'Estany regions. And be aware that the peak of this storm is expected in the coming hours, with very heavy rain in several areas until Tuesday, increased snowfall in the mid and high elevations of the eastern Pyrenees, and very rough seas along the entire coast. Many weather warnings remain in effect due to significant rainfall accumulations and intensity, snowfall in the Ripollès region, strong winds, and heavy swells. Civil Protection has activated the Inuncat and Neucat flood plans and the Alaucat plan, which is on pre-alert status. The situation will improve significantly on Wednesday, but the weather will not clear completely in the coming days.

The storm's main course

Between tonight, tonight, and into the early hours of tomorrow, the easterly storm will reach its peak. Further rainfall is expected, moving inland from the sea and affecting all areas. The heaviest and most sustained rainfall will be recorded in the Girona and northeastern Barcelona regions, where totals could reach or exceed 150 l/m², and in some areas, more than 200 l/m². Heavy rain is also expected in the Ebro Valley, where accumulations could reach 100 l/m². Meteocat has issued warnings for intense rain and accumulations of more than 100 l/m² in these areas.

Be aware of the strong waves and snow. Winds from the east and northeast will strengthen along the entire coast, with some gusts exceeding 60 to 70 km/h and a very rough sea bringing waves of 4 to 6 meters in height, with the Costa Brava being the epicenter. The entire coastline is under red or orange alert for rough seas. Snowfall will intensify and be particularly heavy until Tuesday in the eastern Pyrenees above approximately 1,400 to 1,500 meters. Total accumulations from this event will range between half a meter and one meter of new snow in the higher elevations of Ripollès, Conflent, and Vallespir. A warning is currently in effect for Ripollès in this regard.

There are also warnings for strong winds in coastal and pre-coastal areas between Girona and Barcelona. Very moderate cold temperatures are expected at night and in the early morning, with winter-like highs, many temperatures between 8 and 14°C. Rain, wind, and rough seas are also expected in the Balearic Islands, with more scattered showers in the Valencian Community.

Wednesday will be calmer, but no cleaning is needed.

The storm will move quickly away on Wednesday, with clear skies and a marked improvement in the weather. However, after the easterly winds subside, we will enter a period of Atlantic fronts bringing changeable weather with a risk of further scattered showers. The first front will cross us between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, and a couple more will arrive on Friday and over the weekend. This situation will bring more snow to the Pyrenees, where the snow level will drop significantly. Snowfall could even be seen below 1,000 meters over the weekend, and snow will also reach the valleys and the Pre-Pyrenees. This unsettled weather pattern will need to be monitored daily. Temperatures will drop, with distinctly wintry conditions and westerly to mistral winds.

Rainfall was widespread over the weekend, but the heaviest downpours were recorded in the southern half and the west, exceeding 50 or 100 liters per square meter in many areas. Some of the wettest areas were the Camp de Tarragona and the southern slopes of the Pyrenees and the Pre-Pyrenees of Lleida, where snowfall was particularly significant at mid and high elevations, reaching nearly a meter in northern Alta Ribagorça. Notable rainfall totals included 140 liters per square meter in Boí (Alta Ribagorça) and 138 liters per square meter in Montbrió del Camp (Baix Camp).

And this Monday, the easterly winds have already brought between 50 and 80 l/m² to parts of Alt Empordà and Pla de l'Estany, such as 82 l/m² in Portbou, 73 in Cabanes, and 57 in Banyoles. These figures will increase considerably in the northeast, with a good amount of snow in the eastern Pyrenees.