Torrential rain, strong winds, and sandstorm weather are expected in southern Europe and northwestern Africa

Affected by the extratropical cyclone "Martinho" (Figure 1), on March 20, light to moderate rain occurred in Portugal, Spain, and other areas. In particular, heavy rain fell locally in the central part of Spain (Figure 2), causing floods.

It is expected that from March 21st to 25th, moderate to heavy rain will continue in the central and northern parts of Portugal, most of Spain, southern France, northern Italy, northern Morocco, and the coastal areas of Algeria, with local storms or heavy storms (Figure 3). Parts of these areas will be accompanied by grades 4-6 winds, with gusts reaching grades 7-8, and in coastal regions as well as in the eastern parts of Spain at high altitudes, the wind gusts can reach grades 9-11 (Figure 4). There will be sandstorms or dust floating from south to north in Algeria and southeastern Spain, with local dust storms.

Figure 1: Potential height (contours) at 500 hPa and wind field (barbs) at 850 hPa at 12:00 UTC on March 20, 2025

Figure 2 Current Situation of Precipitation Amount in the Iberian Peninsula on March 20, 2025 (Unit: mm)

Figure 3: Accumulated precipitation in southern Europe from March 21 to 25, 2025 (Unit: mm)

Figure 4: 24-hour maximum gust map on March 21, 2025 (Unit: m/s)

Author: Huo Da, Xie Chao, Lv Xinyan                                 Reviewer: Zhang Bo 

English reviewer:Wang Yi                                                                       Issue approver:Dai Kan