By Catherine McGeer
Copyright euroweeklynews
Murcia has been experiencing temperatures more typical of July and August, even though we are well into September. This summer has officially been the hottest since records began, according to Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). But change is coming. As autumn begins on Sunday, September 21, the region will see a shift, with rain and storms expected over the weekend.
High temperatures continue before the change
On September 18, the heat was still intense. Alhama de Murcia, Totana, Jumilla, and Lorca all recorded highs above 35ºC, while most other towns passed the 30ºC mark. Only San Javier and Águilas stayed slightly cooler. These are very warm conditions for mid-September, though not as extreme as in other parts of Spain, such as Extremadura, where 40ºC was reached.
The warm weather will hold on through the start of the weekend, with maximums still above 30ºC and tropical nights in areas like Murcia city. By Friday and Saturday, clouds will begin to spread, leading up to Sunday’s unstable weather.
Where and when it will rain
Rain is expected across much of the region on September 21, except along the coast where chances are lower. Aemet gives the following probabilities:
Murcia city: 75 per cent
Lorca: 80 per cent
Yecla, Jumilla, and the Northwest: 90 per cent
Rain will likely begin in the morning in towns such as Caravaca, Bullas, Moratalla, Calasparra, and Cehegín. Some areas, including Alguazas and Molina de Segura, could also see thunderstorms.
A short break before heat returns
Despite the showers, temperatures will remain high, still reaching above 30ºC in many areas. The unstable weather will be brief, with rain clearing by September 22. That day is expected to bring more hot sunshine, but Aemet is already warning of a possible shift soon after.
A possible Autumn cool-down
Although it’s still early and forecasts may change, September 23 could bring the first real taste of autumn. Temperatures might finally dip below 30ºC in Murcia, Cartagena, and San Pedro del Pinatar. Cooler inland areas could see highs just above 20ºC and lows near 10ºC.
This potential drop in temperatures would mark the end of the unusual late-summer heatwave and the start of more typical autumn weather in the Region of Murcia.
