Southern Europe's Easter Getaway Gets a Little... Stormy
So, Easter school holidays are in full swing, right? Families are jetting off to sunny Southern Europe, Turkey, Morocco – the works. But guess what? A pretty serious weather system, Storm Olivier (or Borrasca Olivier, if you're feeling fancy), is throwing a wrench into some vacation plans. Let's dive into what's happening.
Storm Olivier: The Lowdown
Named by the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET), this is storm number fifteen for the season! That's a lot, even for a meteorological agency. Originating in the Atlantic, it's already soaking the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores with heavy rain and seriously strong winds. By Thursday, it's heading northeast, aiming straight for Iberia (Spain and Portugal). Get ready for some unsettled weather through the weekend, folks.
Morocco is also going to see some showers, especially up north near the Atlas Mountains. It's not going to be a complete washout, but definitely pack an umbrella.
What to Expect: Region by Region
Iberia (Spain & Portugal): Things are looking pretty nice for a few days – warm weather in the low to mid-20s Celsius. But Storm Olivier's going to bring a big temperature drop by Friday. Seriously, London might actually be warmer than Lisbon or Malaga! The unsettled weather will stick around through the Easter weekend, but there are whispers of drier conditions later on.
Morocco: Expect showers throughout the week and into the weekend, especially in the northern parts of the country. Temperatures will be pleasant, in the low to mid-20s Celsius, peaking a bit higher inland before cooling down as the showers get more widespread.
Eastern Mediterranean: Turkey's currently experiencing a cold snap, with snow inland and chilly temperatures in Istanbul. But it's looking like things will gradually improve by Easter. Southern areas – parts of Southern Italy, the Balkans, and Greece – should stay sunny and warm. France and Northern Italy, however, are in for a bit more of the storm’s wrath later this week.
Canary Islands: AEMET Issues Warning
AEMET has issued a warning for the Canary Islands, expecting heavy rainfall on April 9th and 10th. If you're there, keep an eye on the news and local forecasts. The western islands are predicted to be the hardest hit, with potentially very strong winds. It's definitely a situation to keep a close eye on.
Looking Ahead: Sunshine After the Storm?
Storm Olivier is definitely causing some travel headaches for parts of Southern Europe. But, the good news is that the forecast hints at a return to drier, more pleasant conditions for many areas by the Easter weekend. That said, it's always a good idea to check local weather reports regularly for the latest updates, just in case.
