The area of Reus and Camp de Tarragona is facing a significant meteorological shift with the arrival of a High-Level Isolated Depression (DANA). This episode, expected to begin making its effects felt this Thursday, promises days of instability with a high probability of rainfall and storms that could extend throughout much of the weekend.
The Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat) predicts that the rainfall will initially affect the Terres de l'Ebre before moving towards the Camp de Tarragona. Showers exceeding 20 liters per square meter in just 30 minutes are anticipated. In response to this possibility, Civil Protection has placed the Inuncat Plan on pre-alert.
The regions potentially affected include Baix Camp, Tarragonès, Priorat, Conca de Barberà, Alt Camp, and Baix Penedès, in addition to the aforementioned Terres de l'Ebre. The precipitation may locally occur as thunderstorms, and in some areas, be accompanied by hail and strong wind gusts.
In Reus, the change will be particularly noticeable. Following a Thursday that will still be hot, with maximum temperatures forecast at 35 degrees Celsius during the first half of the day, the probability of precipitation will rise to 40% between 12 PM and 6 PM.
Instability will increase on Friday. Although the morning might see clear spells with temperatures around 34 degrees, the chance of rain will significantly climb to 75% between 12 PM and 6 PM, and 80% in the evening.
Saturday is shaping up to be the most unstable day, with a 90% probability of rain in the first half of the day and 75% in the second. This trend is expected to continue on Sunday, with percentages of 75% and 60% respectively. Forecasts suggest that Monday will still have an 80% chance of precipitation before a potential improvement from Tuesday onwards.
This shift comes after a period of elevated temperatures. Civil Protection had activated the Procicat Plan for intense heat and nighttime heat. This Wednesday, the alert for intense daytime heat remained active, particularly affecting the southern third of the country, Ponent, Central Catalonia, and coastal and pre-coastal areas. On Thursday, the most intense heat will be concentrated in the southern and central coast, coinciding with the progressive arrival of instability.
The DANA, initially located southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, will advance in the coming hours, favoring the formation of storms as it approaches the northeast of the peninsula. The atmospheric situation could remain unstable throughout the weekend.
Despite the expected rainfall, the heat will not disappear completely. Temperatures are predicted to remain typical for August, with maximums potentially staying around 30 degrees Celsius over the weekend, and nighttime lows still elevated. The main change, therefore, will be the notable increase in instability after the days of intense heat.
