12/12/2013 00:00
TW
0
STAFF REPORTER MADRID

MAKE the most of the warmer weather being enjoyed across the country at the moment, warned the National Weather Agency (AEMET) yesterday, because a cold snap is on the way next week that will see temperatures fall in some areas by up to 8 degrees Centigrade.

AEMET spokesman Angel Rivera explained that after an Atlantic storm had spent itself over the mainland, the vacuum it left has allowed a mass of subtropical air to enter in its place, pushing up the temperatures over most of the country to levels which are unusual for December.

Some of the hotter parts of Spain reported record-breaking figures for the month. In Ibiza, the 23.8 degrees Centigrade reached last Thursday exceeded its 1981 December record.

In Almeria, the 27.7 degrees registered the same day broke the previous December record recorded in 1981 (24.2 degrees); in Jerez de la Frontera, Thursday's 26.8 degrees beat the 24.7 degrees December record of 1998; and temperatures in Granada stood at 24.8 degrees, superseding its record for the time of year of 23 degrees reached in 1978.

Over the next few days, Rivera said, it is going to get even warmer in the Mediterranean. Day-time temperatures are forecast to rise in the Balearics accompanied by light to moderate northerly winds. Tomorrow, there will scattered cloud around in the Islands but rain is not expected.

However, according to AEMET, conditions are going to change noticeably from Monday onwards. Light, scattered showers will be widespread across the mainland and in the Balearics, said Rivera. He warned however that the rain could increase to “moderate” in the Islands accompanied by a gradual downturn in temperature.

From Tuesday there will be a steady decline in temperatures and it will become significantly colder as the week progresses, particularly on Thursday. The cold snap will remain until the weekend when rainfall is likely to sweep in from the Atlantic.

Rivera reported that on Wednesday last week, rainfall levels were registering 218 litres per square metre, 32 percent more than is usual for the time of year. Normal levels, he said, average out around 165 litres per square metre.