Storm Charles Brings Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to Spain and Portugal

Storm Charles, a subtropical system, is approaching the Iberian Peninsula after Storm Bruna. It is the third named storm of the 2026/2027 season in the southwest European meteorological group. The storm follows Adam and Bruna, which have caused heavy rain and strong winds in Spain since Saturday.

In Spain, the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) forecasts very adverse weather on Wednesday, with lesser intensity on Thursday. The agency warns of heavy rain, strong winds, and poor sea conditions. Red alerts have been activated in northern Cáceres and southern Ávila for Tuesday from 09:00 to 23:59.

“Charles is a subtropical origin system that will cause a very adverse weather episode of rain, winds and poor sea state on Wednesday and, to a lesser extent, on Thursday.”

In Portugal, the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) expects conditions to worsen in Madeira from late Tuesday and on the mainland on Wednesday. Orange-level warnings are in place. Rainfall exceeding 100 mm within 12 hours is expected in some mountainous areas.

Wind gusts are forecast to reach between 80 and 100 km/h, with peaks around 130 km/h in higher areas. On the mainland, gusts of 100 to 120 km/h are expected from Wednesday afternoon. Wave heights of 3.5 to 4.5 meters are predicted on the south coast of Madeira.

The storm's initial path is expected to pass between the north of the Canary Islands and the Madeira archipelago. The subsequent route remains uncertain, but current data suggests the center may approach the Iberian Peninsula via the Gulf of Cádiz or between Sines and Cabo Carvoeiro.