BTN News: A recent weather phenomenon known as a DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) has swept across Spain, bringing a notable drop in temperatures that has been felt throughout most of the country. The drop has been particularly pronounced in some regions, where temperatures have dipped to levels more typical of winter than the peak of summer. This surprising shift has caught the attention of meteorologists and residents alike, particularly given that it occurred in the midst of August, a month usually associated with intense heat. Meteorologist Mario Picazo even remarked on the unusual coolness, noting that it was “nothing short of refreshing” for a morning on August 15th. A snapshot from the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) highlighted these abnormal temperatures, especially in the northern third of the Iberian Peninsula.
This DANA event led to unusually low temperatures in several areas across Spain, with some locations experiencing temperatures close to 0 degrees Celsius, a stark contrast to the summer norm. Among the ten coldest spots recorded, Ucero in Soria stood out with a low of just 3.8°C, while Puerto de San Isidro in León saw temperatures fall to 4.1°C. Other areas such as Sanabria in Zamora, Cap de Vaquèira in Lleida, and Palacios de la Sierra in Burgos also experienced similarly chilly conditions, all recording temperatures between 4.3°C and 4.4°C. High-altitude regions like Astún-La Raca in Huesca, Puerto del Pico in Ávila, and Sierra Nevada’s Pardollano in Granada also recorded lows below 5°C, further emphasizing the unusual nature of this summer cold snap. Even locations like Cubillas de Rueda and Villablino in León, which typically enjoy milder summer weather, reported temperatures of 4.8°C and 4.9°C, respectively.
As the DANA weakens and shifts toward Italy, the Balearic Islands remain under a “red” alert due to the ongoing threat of severe rainfall. The AEMET has warned that these intense downpours could deliver up to 180 liters per square meter in less than four hours, posing a significant risk to the region. This stands in stark contrast to the rest of Spain, where the weather conditions vary significantly. While the northern and western parts of the country are experiencing cooler temperatures, the southern region, particularly Andalusia, is facing the opposite extreme. Here, heat alerts have been issued, with temperatures expected to soar to between 38°C and 40°C, especially in areas like Huelva.
Across the rest of Spain, a mixed bag of weather conditions prevails. The AEMET forecasts rising maximum temperatures in the western and northern thirds of the country, while the southeast and the archipelagos can expect a cooling trend. Minimum temperatures are generally set to decrease across most regions, with the exception of the southwest, where they are expected to rise. This diversity in weather patterns underscores the complex and varied climate Spain experiences, particularly during this unusual meteorological event.
This rare confluence of extreme weather conditions—ranging from near-freezing temperatures in some parts to scorching heat in others—highlights the unpredictability of the climate, even during traditionally stable periods like mid-August. The ongoing effects of the DANA serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of Spain’s weather, where one region’s cool breeze is another’s scorching sun. This variability not only affects daily life but also has broader implications for agriculture, tourism, and overall well-being in the affected regions.
