Astronomical spring officially arrived in Catalonia on Friday afternoon, ending one of the region’s wettest winters in 30 years. The new season began at 15:46 CET, marked by the spring equinox, resulting in lush landscapes and replenished water reserves after months of persistent rainfall.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Catalonia’s winter of 2025-2026 brought historic precipitation, making it the wettest in three decades and one of the four rainiest since records began. This deluge dramatically reversed previous years’ drought conditions. According to the latest data from the Agència Catalana de l’Aigua (ACA), internal reservoir basins now stand at 92% capacity, a stark contrast to their perilously low levels just over a year ago. Across the territory, forests and rivers are saturated, presenting a thoroughly soaked and revitalised region.

A Look Ahead: Will the Rain Continue?

With a damp winter now in the past, attention turns to Catalonia’s spring forecast. Traditionally one of the region’s rainiest seasons, early indicators suggest this year will be no exception. Long-term seasonal models from both European and American meteorological centres align in their predictions, pointing towards a spring with normal or even above-average rainfall.

This outlook, reported by Ara Cat, suggests Catalonia’s months-long wet spell will likely continue. The forecast includes not only periods of general rain but also the classic afternoon thunderstorms typical of the season. Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has published its own seasonal forecast, which further supports this projection.

“The maps indicate that this spring we would have the usual rain for the dates, but experience tells us that these forecasts tend to indicate that more water will fall than usual,” Ramón Pascual, the AEMET delegate in Catalonia, explained to Ara.

Beyond precipitation, the AEMET forecast also highlights another recurring trend: higher-than-average temperatures. Spring will likely be warmer than the climatic normal, with temperature anomalies potentially reaching one degree Celsius or more above average, a situation increasingly common due to global warming.

From Flood Fears to Fire Risk

While saturated ground and full rivers raise natural concerns about potential flooding, Pascual believes the risk is manageable, provided rainfall remains moderate. He noted, “If it rains weakly or moderately, the ground can continue to absorb the water; the problem will come if we get episodes of intense and persistent rain over several days.”

Paradoxically, the same rain that has replenished water supplies could create challenges for the summer fire season. Abundant moisture has led to vigorous vegetation growth. While this greenery currently signals a healthy ecosystem, it could become a significant fuel load if it dries out. Therefore, late spring weather will be a critical factor in determining the upcoming wildfire risk.

“With so much rain, we will arrive in summer with very dense vegetation, which can become fuel in the event of a fire,” Pascual said. “June is the key month. If it is dry, the summer will start in very bad conditions. But if it is humid and rainy, at least the first part of the summer season will still have a lot of moisture in the forests,” which would help slow the spread of any potential flames. Although recent fire prevention measures reflect a low immediate risk, authorities will monitor the situation closely.

As Catalonia settles into its 92 days of spring, residents can look forward to increasingly long days, further extended by the switch to daylight saving time at the end of March. However, the prolific plant growth fuelled by the wet winter will also likely lead to a challenging season for allergy sufferers.