Madrid, February 5, 2026 – The Community of Madrid is experiencing the full force of Storm Leonardo, with strong winds and persistent rainfall prompting a yellow alert across much of the region. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued warnings for high winds in the metropolitan area, Henares, and the southern, western, and vegas regions.
Storm Leonardo’s Impact on Madrid
The passage of Storm Leonardo is significantly affecting the Iberian Peninsula, with Madrid being particularly impacted. Authorities are closely monitoring the water levels of the Jarama River due to the risk of overflow. While rainfall is expected to slightly decrease in intensity today, strong winds will remain a dominant feature throughout the day.
AEMET has activated a yellow alert for strong wind gusts between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Thursday, February 5. These warnings apply to the metropolitan area and Henares, as well as the southern, vegas, and western parts of the region. In other areas, moderate southwesterly winds are forecast, with intensity increasing during the central hours of the day.
Rainfall and Snowfall Forecast
Precipitation, although continuing across much of the Community of Madrid, will be weak to moderate during the first half of the day, transitioning to scattered showers in the afternoon. The snow level is expected to drop to between 1,400 and 1,600 meters by the end of the day. Skies will be predominantly cloudy or overcast, with probable morning mists and scattered fog in the Sierra.
Temperature Trends
Temperatures are set to rise generally, with a more pronounced increase in minimum temperatures, which are expected to climb above 5 degrees Celsius and approach 10 degrees Celsius. Maximum temperatures will also increase, reaching around 15 degrees Celsius, and potentially exceeding this in areas like Aranjuez, where 16 degrees Celsius is possible. Collado Villalba will see slightly lower maximums, around 13 degrees Celsius.
Wider Impact of Storm Leonardo
Storm Leonardo is not only affecting Madrid but is also bringing widespread rain and strong winds across much of Spain. Several communities are under alert due to the storm’s intensity. In Andalusia, thousands have been evacuated, rivers are overflowing, and train services have been severely disrupted. A woman is also reported missing in Sayalonga (Málaga) after falling into a river during the storm.
Educational institutions in parts of Andalusia remain closed, particularly in Jaén, Almería, Granada, and the most affected municipalities, as decided by the regional government. This widespread impact highlights the severity of Storm Leonardo and its far-reaching consequences.
Emergency Response and Public Information
Local authorities and emergency services are working diligently to manage the effects of the storm and ensure public safety. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions, especially regarding strong winds and potential flooding in low-lying areas. The continuous monitoring of river levels, particularly the Jarama, is a critical measure to prevent further incidents.
The current weather conditions underscore the importance of preparedness for extreme weather events. The naming of high-impact ‘danas’ (isolated depressions at high levels) by AEMET, such as ‘Leonardo’, aims to better communicate the potential severity of these phenomena to the public.
As the storm progresses, updates on weather conditions and any further alerts will be provided by AEMET and local authorities. Residents are encouraged to exercise caution and follow official guidance to ensure their safety during this period of adverse weather.
