Meteorological Background
On November 8, the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued a special weather advisory regarding a widespread low-pressure system situated to the west of the Iberian Peninsula, centered on the intense storm "Bruna." The system is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, gale-force winds, and rough seas across the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands.
Severe weather conditions are expected to persist from late November 8 through November 11, with intense thunderstorms and substantial precipitation primarily impacting central and southwestern parts of the Iberian Peninsula, including Madrid, as well as the Galicia region. Rainfall accumulations of 200 to 300 mm are projected on the southern slopes of the Sistema Central mountain range northwest of Madrid, accompanied by peak wind gusts of 70 to 90 km/h in mountainous areas.
Reference: AEMET Special Advisory
Weather Forecast for Madrid-Barajas Airport (LEMD/MAD)
At Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (LEMD/MAD), active rainbands ahead of the approaching low-pressure system are expected to cause deteriorated visibility and lower ceilings, alongside periods of heavy precipitation, from the morning through the daytime of November 9.
- Peak Impact Period: November 9, 10:00Z – 12:00Z (11:00 – 13:00 local time)
- Weather: Heavy rain and mist (+RA BR)
- Visibility: 2,000 m (temporary drops)
- Ceiling: 1,500 ft
- Wind: 170°–200° at 12–15 kt (gusting up to 23 kt)
Timeline & Meteorological Progression (UTC)
- 03:00Z – 06:00Z (Early Morning)
Light rain and mist (-RA BR). Visibility fluctuating between 3,000 m and 7,000 m; ceiling hovering around 3,000 ft. Winds from the northeast to east (050°–070°) at 3–8 kt (gusts up to 12 kt). - 07:00Z – 09:00Z (Morning / Onset Phase)
Rain intensifies to steady moderate rain and mist (RA BR). Visibility degrades from 2,800–4,000 m down to 2,400 m by 09:00Z. Ceiling drops to 2,000 ft. Winds veer east-southeast to southeast (130°–150°) and increase to 12–15 kt (gusts 18–23 kt) (Impact: Level 1). - 10:00Z – 12:00Z (Late Morning to Noon / Peak)
Heavy rain and mist (+RA BR) persist. Visibility drops to 2,000 m and ceiling lowers to 1,500 ft. Winds from the south to southwest (170°–200°) at 12–15 kt, with gusts reaching 23 kt. - 13:00Z – 18:00Z (Afternoon to Evening / Recovery Phase)
Precipitation eases to light rain (-RA / -RA BR). Visibility recovers to 4,000 m by 13:00Z and reaches 7,000 m after 14:00Z. Ceiling lifts from 2,500 ft to 3,000 ft. Winds veer southwest (210°–230°) and subside to 6–9 kt. - After 19:00Z (Nighttime)
Precipitation ceases with visibility exceeding 9,999 m (good conditions). Cloud cover decreases to FEW030, and winds settle at southwest (210°) at 4 kt, marking full recovery.
Operational Considerations & Aviation Impacts
- Peak Impact Window (10:00Z – 12:00Z): Reduced visibility and lowered ceiling heights may lead to reduced airport acceptance rates, air traffic flow management (ATFM) regulations, and arrival/departure delays.
- Runway & Wind Conditions: Flight crews and dispatchers should exercise caution regarding southerly wind gusts (170°–200°, up to 23 kt) and deteriorated runway braking action caused by accumulated rainfall.
Detailed meteorological information for airports worldwide is available through SkyAviators, our decision-support tool for aviation operators. Learn more about "SkyAviators"
Disclaimer
This article is provided for reference purposes only. Flight-specific operational support information is provided exclusively through Weathernews' commercial aviation services. Weathernews Inc. accepts no liability for any operational decisions made or losses/damages incurred based on this information.
