Clouds and rain could make it difficult to see the eclipse.
Spain is preparing for a historic week due to a solar eclipse on Wednesday, which could be affected by clouds and rain. The eclipse day is expected to have generally stable weather, very hot temperatures, and few clouds, although there might be some cloud cover in areas like the Cantabrian region, Pyrenees, northern Canary Islands, and mountainous regions in eastern Spain. High temperatures above 40°C are anticipated in several parts of the country, particularly in the northeast and southern peninsula, as well as in Majorca. Monday and Tuesday will see intense rainfall in the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula, including thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds, with potential flooding risks. Temperatures will rise in the northwest and drop in the east. On Wednesday, the day of the eclipse, the weather is expected to be mostly clear but with possible clouds over the Cantabrian region and southern Mediterranean coasts of Andalusia.
Spain braces for a historic solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with weather conditions playing a crucial role in how the public can observe the celestial event. The country faces a week of fluctuating weather patterns, beginning with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across much of the territory, followed by intense heat waves and finally, relatively stable skies for the eclipse itself. The week starts with unsettled weather, particularly in the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. On Monday, August 10, the region experiences heavy precipitation, including localized torrential downpours, with some areas reporting up to 40 liters of rain per square meter within an hour. These storms are accompanied by large hailstones and gusts of wind reaching very high speeds, posing a risk of localized flooding. The weather service warns of significant danger in these zones, urging caution among residents and visitors. Tuesday brings more stability, though the east remains under threat of further thunderstorms and localized heavy rainfall. Temperatures rise steadily, with maximum readings surpassing 35°C across most of the peninsula, except in the northwestern regions. In the afternoon, temperatures in the northeast and southern parts of Spain could exceed 38°C, while Mallorca sees similar conditions. Meanwhile, the Cantabrian coast and Mediterranean coasts remain relatively dry, with minimal cloud cover. Wednesday, the day of the eclipse, promises clearer skies overall, although clouds are expected along the northern and southern coasts, particularly in the Cantabrian region and the southern Mediterranean areas of Andalusia. Light cloud formations may develop in mountainous regions of the north and east, with isolated thunderstorms possible in the eastern Pyrenees and the Sistema Bético. A haze may also affect the southern part of the peninsula. Despite the potential for light cloud cover, the eclipse will occur during a time when temperatures have dropped slightly, between 2 and 5 degrees Celsius, from the peak predicted for the day. However, the actual cooling effect of the eclipse itself will be minimal and barely noticeable. Temperatures continue to climb throughout the rest of the week, with Thursday and Friday seeing slight increases. The weather forecast indicates that the heat wave will persist, with the highest temperatures recorded in the northeastern, central, and southern parts of the peninsula, as well as in Mallorca. The extreme heat poses additional challenges for outdoor activities, especially around the time of the eclipse. In the Canary Islands, the weather remains generally stable, with higher-than-average temperatures for the season. Cloud cover is more pronounced in lower-altitude areas of the islands, while the peaks and southern parts remain mostly clear. Strong trade winds begin the week, gradually decreasing in intensity over the following days. As the eclipse approaches, meteorological services emphasize the importance of monitoring weather updates, particularly for those planning to view the event. While the eclipse itself is expected to be visible under clear skies, the presence of clouds could hinder visibility. The combination of high temperatures and potential for scattered showers adds complexity to the viewing experience, requiring careful preparation and timing.
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