Borrasca Nils Hits Spain with Heavy Rain, Strong Winds, and Mountain Snow

The storm system known as Borrasca Nils has arrived in Spain, bringing widespread rainfall, strong winds, and snowy conditions in mountainous regions. Beginning on Wednesday and continuing into Thursday, the storm is expected to impact many areas, particularly those already affected by recent heavy rains. According to Spain's State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), persistent and occasionally heavy rain will affect Galicia, the western Sistema Central, and parts of the Cantabrian region, with some areas facing thunderstorms and hail.

Snowfall will be limited to high-altitude mountain areas, especially in the Pyrenees where accumulation above 1700-2000 meters is forecasted. Strong westerly winds will sweep across much of northern and eastern Spain, leading to meteorological warnings for wind and rough maritime conditions, with some areas under an orange alert due to the risk. While temperatures will remain largely steady, some rises are predicted in the Canary Islands and Ampurdán, with decreases expected in the Ebro valley, eastern Cantabria, and Sierra Morena.

Meteorologist Mario Picazo highlighted that Spain has experienced rainfall totals exceeding triple the typical levels in many central and southern areas already, with the approach of Borrasca Nils bringing an "atmospheric river" of moisture that will prolong wet conditions, particularly in the west, center, and south of the peninsula. This ongoing precipitation is expected to persist at least through Friday, possibly becoming more isolated towards the weekend as weather stabilizes. Picazo also noted elevated snowfall risks in the Pyrenees and other mountain ranges.

Authorities have activated multiple weather alerts, urging caution due to the risk of avalanches in affected mountain zones, as well as the potential for damaging wind gusts potentially reaching hurricane strength along some northern coastal areas. The timing of this storm poses concerns ahead of the Carnival season, as rapid weather changes continue.

In sum, Borrasca Nils contributes to a continuation of a notably unsettled weather pattern in Spain, marked by heavy rain, strong winds, and snow at high elevations, with impacts expected across a broad swath of the country until at least the weekend.