Just when we’d dusted off our transitional jackets and the atmosphere was starting to call for roasted chestnuts in Barcelona’s neighborhoods, the weather has decided to throw us an unexpected curveball. A mass of warm air has swept into the city, bringing the cool spell of recent weeks to a sudden halt and treating us to a few days that are more inviting for a stroll by the sea than for seeking shelter from the autumn wind.
Barcelona residents will notice this drastic rise in temperatures, which will climb as high as seven degrees, with the increase being particularly pronounced this Wednesday. The cause of this sudden change is a powerful African high-pressure system that has settled over us, blocking the arrival of cold fronts and trapping warm air that will bring us unusually sunny and hot afternoons for this time of year.
Nearing 25 degrees in the middle of fall
During the middle of the day, the city will easily surpass the 20-degree mark. In fact, the forecast indicates that high temperatures will generally range between 22 and 24 degrees. The heat will be even more noticeable in areas near the coast or in parts of the city sheltered from the sea breeze, where temperatures could reach as high as 25 °C.
However, the nights will continue to remind us of what season we’re in. The lack of daylight will keep the early morning hours relatively cool, with lows ranging between 15 and 17 degrees.
The barrier holding back the rain
From a meteorological standpoint, what we’re experiencing is the effect of a robust high-pressure system over the Iberian Peninsula. This invisible barrier completely halts any Atlantic storms or cold air masses coming in from northern Europe. Conversely, it acts as a magnet for warm air from North Africa, which pools over our streets, warming the surface.
Interestingly, this episode does not coincide with any of the traditional periods of mild autumn weather. It is neither the “Indian summer” of San Miguel, nor that of San Martín, nor that of San Lucas. It is, quite simply, a major atmospheric pattern that is enveloping much of southern Europe.
A heat wave with its days numbered
Although the lack of rain and clear skies seem set to continue at least until the second week of November, this unseasonable heat won’t last long. Temperatures will peak on Wednesday, and starting Thursday, we’ll begin to see a drop of two to three degrees in just 24 hours, gradually returning us to normal temperatures.
Looking a little further ahead, toward mid-November, weather maps are beginning to hint at possible changes in the Mediterranean. It’s still too early to confirm whether this instability will result in a DANA or some other local rain event, so we’ll have to keep an eye on the sky and the forecasts over the next few days.
