Catalonia is set to experience a notable shift in weather during Easter Week. Temperatures across the region are expected to rise significantly, making conditions feel more akin to early May. This change in trend appears on weather maps. However, it comes with some nuances, prompting close monitoring of its evolution.

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Anticyclone Brings Warmer Air

An anticyclone will dominate the Iberian Peninsula and parts of the Mediterranean from Friday, 3rd April. It brings pressures up to 1028 hPa. This atmospheric shield will usher in a mass of more temperate and mild air. This will enter the middle layers of the atmosphere. This warmth will then transmit to the surface. It will cause a gradual and marked increase in temperatures across Catalonia. Maximums could reach between 20°C and 25°C, potentially exceeding this in the Terres de Ponent.

The temperature variation will be more noticeable in the maximums than in the minimums. High mountain areas will experience fewer and less intense frosts during nights and early mornings. Midday temperatures will feel milder than normal. The weakening northerly wind and the cessation of snowfall, combined with the return of the anticyclone and sunny weather, will also contribute to a much more comfortable environment, especially during the day.

Elevated Avalanche Danger

The Catalan Institute of Cartography and Geology (ICGCat) reported a “strong” avalanche danger (level 4) in the Aran Valley and the northern fringe of Pallaresa. This warning extended until Thursday afternoon. Civil Protection maintains a pre-alert for its ALLAUCAT plan, urging extreme caution for mountain activities outside controlled areas. Recent snowfall has fallen on existing, weak snow layers. Strong and persistent winds have exacerbated this situation. High mountain conditions could become particularly complicated from Good Friday.

This avalanche risk is expected to intensify further over Saturday and Easter Sunday. Rising maximum temperatures and a notable increase in solar insolation will contribute to this heightened danger. Mountain enthusiasts must exercise extreme vigilance and check local conditions before venturing into uncontrolled areas.

Pyrenees See Significant Temperature Surge

The temperature increase will be particularly pronounced in the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees. Thermometers could see a rise of two to four degrees along the coast by Good Friday. However, in the Pyrenees, Pre-Pyrenees, and northern Central Catalonia, the mercury might climb significantly. It could rise by five to ten degrees compared to previous days. This represents a radical change in the high mountains within a matter of hours. By Saturday, the ascent will continue across much of the interior.

During Easter Week, the temperature anomaly in the Pyrenees could be 8°C to 10°C above normal for early April. For instance, Tavascan is located at an altitude of 1,216 metres. It expects temperatures of 2°C/6°C on Good Friday. These will rise to 6°C/17°C on Saturday, 5°C/18°C on Sunday, and 8°C/17°C on Easter Monday. Similarly, Espot, at 1,555 metres, anticipates 1°C/9°C on Good Friday, 4°C/15°C on Saturday, 5°C/17°C on Sunday, and 4°C/16°C on Easter Monday. A marked contrast between the day’s lowest and highest values will also become apparent.

Post-Easter Weather Shift

Despite the anticipated stability, this warm spell may prove short-lived. The calm and stable conditions could last for three or four days. However, they are not expected to persist much longer. Weather models suggest a possible breakdown or weakening of this atmospheric stagnation after Easter Monday. New disturbances could enter from the west of the Iberian Peninsula. This shift would bring a return to more variable and cooler, truly spring-like weather. Residents and visitors should monitor forecasts closely for these post-Easter changes, preparing for a more changeable and fresher return to routine.

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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.