Easter week is finally upon us and many will be wondering what the weather will be over the bank holidays and this weekend. While the forecast has changed several times, here’s what to expect.
Easter week, known as Semana Santa in Spain, is one of the most important times for a getaway. Hotels book up fast, trains are full and everyone is hoping for nice spring-like weather.
After the rainiest January and February in almost half a century, most of us are sick of the wet weather and are looking forward to a drier and sunnier Easter break – but will that be the case?
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This year, Semana Santa will take place from March 29th to April 6th, and as we’re nearly half way through the week, meteorological experts already have a good idea of what the forecasts will be for the most important days.
Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) now say we could see temperatures above 25C in many parts of the country, including on Maundy Thursday (April 2nd) and Good Friday (April 3rd).
One or both of these days are public holidays in most regions in Spain and the good news is that no significant rainfall is expected for either the Thursday or the Friday in the majority of the country.
There could be cloudy or overcast skies in parts of northern Spain, however, as well as light persistent rain on the eastern Cantabrian coast, the upper Ebro valley, and the Pyrenees.
There are also strong wind warnings in place in some areas, particularly in the northeast of the country such as Catalonia and also in the Balearics.
Most Andalusian provinces will see highs of 25C or above. Murcia will also experience highs, while Seville and Badajoz will be the hottest cities at 27C. In the northern half of the country though, temperatures will remain around 15C, according to Aemet.
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On Good Friday, April 3rd, there could be some cloudy or overcast skies in the northern half of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands, along with light but persistent rain. Partly cloudy skies are expected in the southern half of the peninsula.
Much of the country is expected to experience temperatures near or above 20C. This includes the centre of the country, with Madrid reaching 23C and Guadalajara 22C. Much of Andalusia and Extremadura will see temperatures close to 25C, according to Aemet predictions.
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An analysis from Eltiempo.es, looking at historical records, shows that rain is very common at some point during Holy Week, with precipitation occurring in 70 to 80 percent of years across much of the country.
Looking ahead to the spring season in general, however, meteorologists say that it is expected to be warmer than normal across much of the country, with probabilities ranging from 50 to 70 percent, depending on the region.
The Balearic Islands have a 70 percent chance of above-average temperatures, while in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula it’s around 60 percent, and in the Canary Islands, along with the southwest of the peninsula, there’s a 50 percent chance it will be warmer.