A polar jet is hovering over the Peninsula, bringing with it rain and winds that will reach 100 km/h in some areas this weekend. The continued nature of the storms, with Celine just around the corner, is due to the interaction of humid Atlantic winds with the polar jet stream, according to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). The atmospheric situation especially puts Galicia on alert, where rainfall will be strong and persistent.
The polar jet stream is a chain of very strong winds found at high altitudes, specifically between 9 and 16 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. It is a kind of conveyor belt that directs storms, or low pressure systems, to different parts of the sky. When the polar jet passes over a region, as is currently the case over the Iberian Peninsula, it brings with it intense winds and often rain and storms.
The polar jet is created by pressure differences between warm air masses in the latitudes of Europe and the cold regions of the Arctic. When it is colder on the continent, such as in winter, the polar jet stream can move southward or curve, bringing storms and, therefore, heavy rain and strong winds closer to Spain. This phenomenon has a greater influence on the Iberian Peninsula during the colder months, bringing wetter and windier weather.
During the weekend, the polar jet stream will continue to influence the weather in the Iberian Peninsula, especially with adverse atmospheric conditions. One of the most notable impacts will be heavy rains and strong winds, which could reach 100 km/h in some areas with the arrival of Storm Celine. Galicia will be the most affected region, with intense and persistent rainfall. In addition, rainfall is expected to extend to the east of the Cantabrian Sea, the Pyrenees and the surroundings of the central system, although with less intensity.
Wind intensity is another important aspect of the impact of the polar jet. The wind is expected to blow strongly in the northern half of the peninsula, which could cause unfavorable maritime conditions in the Galician Atlantic and on the Cantabrian coast. Waves in these areas could reach heights of 5 to 7 meters, posing a significant risk to maritime and coastal activities. These windy conditions could also disrupt services and outdoor activities in affected areas.
Temperatures are expected to drop throughout Spain. The atmosphere will remain cool, with thermometers that will not exceed 20ºC in many parts of the western half and central zone. At night, temperatures could drop to 8 or 10 degrees in the western half and the center of the peninsula, while daytime temperatures will reach between 15 and 20 degrees. In the Mediterranean and the Cantabrian Sea, the environment will be somewhat milder, with maximum temperatures exceeding 25 and 20 degrees, respectively.
On Sunday, a new front will bring more rain to the western peninsula, with greater amounts in Galicia, western Castilla y León and northern Extremadura. Although the peninsular Mediterranean and Balearic Islands will remain generally dry, the rest of the country will experience wet and windy conditions.
This weather pattern, motivated by the polar jet stream and the continuous arrival of humid winds from the Atlantic, will keep Spain on weather alert during these days. At the moment, this phenomenon is not expected to end soon and could last well into the month of November.
