Storm Bruna arrives from the Atlantic

Storm Bruna, named on Thursday evening 5th November by the Portuguese Meteorological Service, is set to influence weather across the Iberian Peninsula from Friday 6th November. While the most severe impacts are expected in western Spain and Portugal, Catalonia will experience increasing cloud cover, some rain, and stronger winds over the weekend and into early next week. According to forecasts from Betevé and El Nacional, the first frontal line linked to Storm Bruna will pass north of the region on Friday, meaning Barcelona and most of Catalonia will see calm, sunny conditions despite morning fog, especially in western areas. However, thin clouds will begin to arrive in Lleida by late afternoon, marking the start of a weather shift.

Clouds build over the weekend

Saturday 7th November will be largely overcast, with high and medium-level clouds dominating the sky. Some low cloud is expected along coastal stretches, but no rain is forecast during the day. A brief improvement may occur between Saturday evening and Sunday midday, with clearer spells appearing. From Sunday afternoon, a second front will advance. More compact cloud cover will spread across the territory, and light drizzle is expected along the Barcelona and Tarragona coasts by evening, as well as in parts of the Pre-Pyrenees. Southwesterly winds will bring milder air, ending the recent cold spell and ushering in conditions typical of autumn’s 'St. Martin’s Summer'.

The arrival of Storm Bruna will bring us more clouds and some episodes of rain, although, for now, precipitation will be rather scarce and scattered in Catalonia.

Heaviest rain in Pyrenean regions

Monday 9th November is expected to bring the highest chance of rain in Catalonia. The heaviest precipitation is forecast for the Alt Pirineu, Aran, and southern slopes of the Pyrenees and western Pre-Pyrenees, where more than 100 litres per square metre could accumulate, particularly in mountainous zones. Scattered showers may also reach coastal and pre-coastal areas of Barcelona and Tarragona, while other regions see only isolated rain. Between Tuesday and Wednesday, skies will remain mostly cloudy and conditions variable. South and southwest winds will strengthen, with gusts of up to 90 km/h possible along the Atlantic coast from Sunday evening through Tuesday, according to El País and Portugal Resident.

Milder weather returns

As Storm Bruna deepens, it will bring unsettled weather to Portugal and parts of Extremadura and Andalusia, with rainfall totals of 90–120 mm forecast in northern and central Portugal, particularly in Minho, Douro Litoral, and Serra da Estrela. In Catalonia, while rain will be limited, the storm will mark a clear shift from recent cold to milder autumn temperatures. Residents are advised to monitor updates from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) for mountain weather conditions, particularly in the Catalan Pyrenees.

Sources: betevé, El Nacional.