Portugal and Spain storms and climate change

 

Portugal and Spain storms and climate change

In early February 2026, the Iberian Peninsula is facing a severe weather crisis, with Storm Marta arriving just days after the deadly Storm Leonardo. These events are part of a rapid succession of winter storms that have killed multiple people and caused billions in damage.

 

Current Storm Impact (February 2026)

Storm Marta: Named by the Portuguese weather service, this storm is currently bringing 60 mph (100 km/h) winds and heavy rain to the region. In Portugal, it forced the postponement of the presidential vote in three municipalities.

Storm Leonardo: Preceding Marta, this storm caused massive flooding in Andalusia (Spain) and Alentejo (Portugal), leading to at least two deaths and the evacuation of over 11,000 people.

Succession of Storms: Storm Leonardo was the seventh storm to hit the peninsula since the start of 2026, following the destructive Storm Kristin.

Record Rainfall: Grazalema, Spain, recorded 672mm (26.4 inches) of rain in 36 hours—roughly a year's worth for London.

 

The Climate Change Link

Scientists and meteorologists point to human-driven climate change as a primary driver for these intensified events:

Increased Intensity: Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to "storm trains" that dump several months' worth of rain in just hours.

Atmospheric Blocking: A "stubborn" high-pressure system over Scandinavia has been deflecting the jet stream south, funnelling consistent low-pressure systems directly into Portugal and Spain.

Rising Sea Levels: Intense winter storms are compounding with rising sea levels to accelerate coastal erosion along Portugal's Atlantic coast.

Future Extremes: Research from World Weather Attribution suggests that while winter floods are worsening, the region is also facing heatwaves that are now 3°C hotter and 200 times more likely due to climate change.

Economic Damage: Provisional estimates for the damage in Portugal alone exceed €4 billion, while repairs to Spanish roads in Andalusia are expected to cost over €500 million.