Spain sees wettest January–February in 47 years as Atlantic storms soak Iberian Peninsula

A persistent Atlantic storm track dominated weather patterns across Spain during the winter of 2025–2026, delivering repeated rainfall events across much of the country.

According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), average precipitation across peninsular Spain reached 323.2 mm (12.7 inches) during the December–February season, equivalent to 171% of the normal value for the 1991–2020 climatological reference period.

The winter ranks as the eighth wettest since national records began in 1961 and the third wettest of the 21^st century. The most intense rainfall occurred during January and February, when a continuous passage of Atlantic low-pressure systems crossed the Iberian Peninsula. Combined precipitation during this two-month period exceeded twice the climatological average, making it the wettest January–February period recorded in Spain in approximately 47 years.

According to media reports citing AEMET spokesperson Rubén del Campo, 11 major storms affected Spain between late December and mid-February, bringing repeated periods of rain and strong winds. One of the most significant episodes was Storm Leonardo in early February, which caused severe flooding and evacuations in parts of Andalusia.

Heavy rainfall triggered flooding in several municipalities. In Granada Province, the village of Bayacas, located on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada, experienced rapid flooding when the Chico River overflowed its banks. Floodwaters damaged roads, water supply systems, and bridges, while nearby areas along the Guadalfeo River reported rapidly rising water levels that inundated homes within minutes.

Authorities confirmed that two people died during the storm, while emergency services carried out evacuations in several towns where landslides threatened nearby buildings and infrastructure. Repeated rainfall events also saturated soils across mountainous areas of southern Spain, increasing the risk of slope instability and erosion.

Despite the exceptional rainfall, the winter season was also characterized by above-average temperatures. According to AEMET, the average winter temperature across peninsular Spain was 7.6°C (45.7°F), about 1°C above the 1991–2020 climatological average. This places winter 2025–2026 as the ninth warmest since records began in 1961.

February showed the largest positive temperature anomaly of the season. AEMET said the month averaged 2.4°C (4.3°F) above the 1991–2020 normal, making it the fourth warmest February in Spain since records began in 1961.

Unusually high temperatures were also reported in the Canary Islands late in the season. During the AEMET winter briefing, forecasters noted that Tenerife South Airport reached 31.6°C (88.9°F) on February 23, among the highest winter temperatures observed there.

Cold conditions nevertheless occurred at times during the season. The lowest temperature measured at a major observation station was −14.0°C (6.8°F) at Molina de Aragón on January 6 during a short cold episode that affected parts of inland Spain.

Rainfall totals varied significantly between regions. Among major meteorological stations, Vigo Airport recorded 499 mm (19.6 inches) of rainfall in February alone, while Ceuta accumulated 411.2 mm (16.2 inches) during January, representing one of the highest monthly totals recorded there since 2009.

Meteorologists note that warmer air masses can hold greater amounts of water vapour. When storm systems develop in these conditions, the atmosphere can release larger volumes of precipitation over short periods.

AEMET meteorologist Rubén del Campo explained that higher ocean temperatures increase evaporation and moisture transport into storm systems, which can intensify rainfall during Atlantic storms affecting the Iberian Peninsula.

Similar conditions were observed in neighbouring Portugal, where meteorological authorities reported the wettest February in nearly half a century in some areas, suggesting that the rainfall anomaly affected much of the Iberian Peninsula.

Despite the flooding impacts, the winter rainfall significantly improved water availability in reservoirs across Spain following several years of drought concerns. Increased water storage may help reduce pressure on water resources during the coming summer.

Seasonal outlooks from AEMET indicate that temperatures during the upcoming spring season, covering March through May, are likely to remain above normal across much of the country. Forecast probabilities suggest a 50–70% likelihood of warmer-than-average conditions depending on the region.

References:

¹ El invierno tuvo carácter muy cálido y muy húmedo – AEMET – March 12, 2026

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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