Overall, Spain can expect a week of largely dry and settled weather, with plenty of sunshine across most of the country. Temperatures will be warm, and in some areas, hot. There is a low risk of isolated showers, but nothing that should cause significant widespread disruption. While the weather is generally favourable for driving, it is important to remember the risks that come with dry, hot conditions and a lack of rainfall.

The start of the week, Monday and Tuesday, will see mostly clear and sunny conditions. Temperatures will be warm, so it is important to be aware of the potential for high-speed summer tyres to overheat, which can affect their performance.

High temperatures can also stress vehicle components and lead to fatigue for the driver. With very little chance of rain, a major concern is the ongoing risk of wildfires, especially in the southeast where the fire weather index remains high.

Drivers should be extremely cautious and ensure all litter and especially smoking materials are disposed of correctly. High-sided vehicles and those towing caravans should be aware of moderate winds in some northern and western areas on Monday, but these are not expected to be severe enough to cause major issues.

In the middle of the week, Wednesday and Thursday, the weather remains very similar. It will be largely sunny and hot, particularly in the central and southern regions. This means the risk of wildfires remains a key concern.

Drivers should also be aware of the glare from the sun, especially at sunrise and sunset, which can affect visibility. Remember to wear sunglasses and have a clean windscreen to help with this.

The end of the week, Friday, will see a slight change as some more cloud cover and a small chance of showers move into the north and east of the country. This presents a different kind of hazard. When light rain falls on a long-dry road, it can create a slick surface as it mixes with oil and rubber deposits. This is known as “black ice” in cold weather, but in warm weather, it is simply a very slippery surface. Drivers should reduce their speed and leave plenty of space to the vehicle in front, as braking distances will be significantly increased.

On Saturday and Sunday, a mix of sunny periods and cloud cover is expected, with a small chance of isolated showers in some parts of the country. Driving conditions will be generally good. However, with the possibility of rain, particularly on Sunday, drivers should continue to exercise caution. Slow down and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. The wildfire risk remains, so continue to be vigilant about not contributing to potential fires.

Next Week

Looking ahead, the forecast for next week is for the continuation of the current weather pattern. It will remain warm and mostly dry with a mix of sun and cloud, and a low chance of isolated, localised showers. Drivers should continue to be aware of the wildfire risk and the potential for slippery roads if and when a shower does occur.

The post Driving Weather in Spain for the First week in September – A Mostly Sunny Week first appeared on N332 Radio.

A cold front and thunderstorms are disrupting flights across France, northern Italy, and Switzerland this week. Greece and Belgrade continue to face delays from controller shortages and strikes, while Spain remains under pressure with Palma and Barcelona especially busy. Ferries and trains are running on time but heavily booked.

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The overall traffic forecast for this weekend is for extremely high levels of congestion and long delays across the country as the summer holidays come to a close.

Friday will see heavy traffic throughout the day, particularly as people begin their journey back to the major cities. The DGT has designated the late afternoon and evening as a “very unfavourable” period for travel, with the busiest times expected from 4 pm to midnight.

Main routes leading into cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville will be severely affected, with the A-3 in the direction of Madrid, the A-4 towards the capital, the A-5 to Madrid, and the A-6 towards the northwest likely to experience significant congestion.

Expect long delays on coastal motorways such as the AP-7, A-7, and AP-4, as well as on roads leading from beaches to the main arteries.

Additionally, the “Vuelta a España” cycling race will continue to cause localised road closures and diversions on its route, and ongoing wildfires in various regions, particularly in Castile and León, Extremadura, and Galicia, have closed numerous roads, including sections of the N-525 and ZA-104 in Zamora, and the CC-224 and CC-234 in Cáceres.

Saturday is expected to be another very busy day on the roads, with the DGT’s “Operation Return” in full swing. The morning, from 9 am to 2 pm, is marked as a “very unfavourable” period for travel, as a combination of long-distance return journeys and short trips to local attractions will create high-volume traffic.

The main bottlenecks will be on routes leading back to major urban centres. The A-3 from Valencia to Madrid and the A-4 from Andalusia to Madrid will be particularly congested.

The “Vuelta a España” will have a stage from Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to RCD Mallorca’s ground, causing significant traffic and parking problems in and around the city of Madrid.

Remember that due to the risk of wildfires, sections of the A-395 near Granada and other roads in regions like Extremadura and Galicia remain closed, so check your route before travelling.

Sunday will mark the peak of “Operation Return” as the vast majority of holidaymakers make their way home. The DGT has identified the late afternoon and evening as the worst time to travel, with the period between 5 pm and 11 pm being “very unfavourable.”

All main arteries leading into Spain’s largest cities will be at a standstill for long periods. The A-3, A-4, A-5, and A-6 leading into Madrid, as well as the AP-7 and A-7 on the Mediterranean coast and the A-92 in Andalusia, will be subject to severe congestion and long delays.

The DGT recommends postponing journeys until Monday morning if at all possible.

The “Vuelta a España” will continue its route, and the ongoing wildfires mean a number of roads are still closed for safety reasons, so it is crucial to plan your journey meticulously and be prepared for last-minute diversions. It’s also important to be extremely cautious with any discarded items, especially cigarettes and glass, as the risk of fire remains high across the country.

As the summer season concludes, traffic levels will gradually return to a more typical pattern next week. While the peak congestion from “Operation Return” will subside, you can still expect moderate to high traffic, especially on Monday morning and Friday afternoon as commuters resume their usual routines.

Be mindful of ongoing roadworks and any localised closures from regional fiestas, particularly in the run-up to the national holiday on 8 September in Asturias and Extremadura, and 11 September in Catalonia.

The “Vuelta a España” cycling race will also continue, causing predictable road closures and diversions along its route. As the weather remains hot and dry in many parts of the country, the risk of wildfires is still present, so be vigilant and plan your journeys accordingly, avoiding any areas that may be affected by fire and respecting all safety warnings.

The post We Have Reched the Busiest Weekend of the Summer on the Roads of Spain – Operation Return first appeared on N332 Radio.

Over the next few days, a general theme of warm, settled weather will cover much of Spain, though a few areas will experience some localised unsettled conditions. With high temperatures expected, it’s crucial for drivers to be aware of the heat’s impact on themselves and their vehicles. Keep an eye on your engine temperature, and ensure you stay hydrated on long journeys.

This weekend is anticipated to be one of the busiest of the summer, as the DGT’s “Operation Return” gets underway, so careful planning for any long journeys is essential. Be aware that this is further complicated by road closures in several areas due to ongoing wildfires. Always check live traffic and travel information before setting off.

Friday, 29th August:

The day will start with some cloud cover, particularly in the northern and western parts of the country, before clearing to leave a generally fine and sunny afternoon.

A few isolated, light showers are possible in the far north, but they are not expected to cause significant issues for drivers. Temperatures will be warm to hot across the board.

Traffic will be extremely heavy, particularly from the afternoon onwards, as “Operation Return” gets into full swing. Expect significant delays on all major motorways and coastal roads as people make their way back to major cities.

Saturday, 30th August:

Saturday will see a continuation of the warm and sunny weather, with temperatures rising in many areas, particularly in the south and inland.

Conditions for driving will be good from a weather perspective, with very little chance of rain. However, the high temperatures will require careful planning for journeys, and drivers should ensure they have plenty of water and a fully functional air conditioning system.

Road traffic is likely to be at its peak in the morning, with high volumes of cars on the roads, so allow plenty of extra time for your journey.

Sunday, 31st August:

The weekend will close with another hot and sunny day for most of Spain. There is a slight risk of a few showers in some inland areas in the afternoon, but these are likely to be isolated.

The main concern for drivers will once again be the volume of traffic as the “Operation Return” climax concludes. Expect very heavy traffic on all return routes to urban centres, especially in the afternoon and evening.

There is a risk of very strong crosswinds in some areas, so a warning is given to high-sided vehicles to be vigilant, and for other drivers to take extra care when overtaking.

The beginning of next week will see a shift in conditions. Monday will be mostly sunny and fine, but from Tuesday onwards, there is an increasing chance of more unsettled weather, particularly in the western and northern regions.

Temperatures will remain warm but may begin to fall slightly. Any rain that does fall is likely to be in the form of scattered showers, but with the possibility of being heavy at times. Drivers should be vigilant for a sudden change in conditions and remember to slow down when rain is encountered.

Next Weekend

The weather for next weekend is currently looking to be a mixed bag. Some areas may see a return to more settled, sunny conditions, while others could experience continued unsettled weather with a risk of rain. Temperatures are expected to remain at a comfortable level for most. It will be a good idea to check local forecasts closer to the time.

The post Driving Weather: Navigating the Busiest Weekend of the Year in Spain first appeared on N332 Radio.

This weekend brings peak holiday crowds and stormy skies. Palma and Barcelona face severe thunderstorms and high demand, while Greece and Belgrade continue to struggle with air traffic control issues. Ferries, Eurostar, and Spain’s high-speed trains are all operating but sold out on most routes.

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The post Aviation and Travel Update: 29–31 August 2025 first appeared on N332 Radio.

With Monday a Bank Holiday in the UK, airports and ports are busier than ever as British tourists return home. Greece and Belgrade remain hotspots for flight delays, and Palma faces weather disruption. Ferries, Eurostar, and Spanish trains are at full capacity.

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The post UK Bank Holiday Flights and Spain Travel Update – 25 August 2025 first appeared on N332 Radio.

General traffic conditions for the week of August 25th to August 31st are expected to be particularly heavy, as this period marks the final major weekend of summer holidays and the commencement of “Operation Return” (Operación Retorno) by the DGT.

The week will be characterised by a gradual increase in traffic from Monday to Thursday as people begin their journeys back to major cities, culminating in significant congestion from Friday afternoon through to Sunday evening.

In addition to the returning holiday traffic, several regional fiestas and a major cycling event will cause localised disruptions and diversions across the country. Drivers should expect delays, particularly on routes leading to major urban centres and on coastal roads.

The working week begins with a relatively calm traffic flow. The DGT reports no major incidents or operations. However, be aware of minor road closures and diversions in northern Spain as the “Vuelta a España” cycling race is in its third stage, running from San Maurizio Canavese to Ceres, which will impact local roads in the Pyrenees region.

Traffic is expected to remain light to moderate. The “Vuelta a España” continues with stage four from Susa to Voiron, which may cause some localised disruption on secondary roads in the Pyrenees. No other significant events or incidents are reported.

Traffic levels will begin to increase slightly as some people start their journeys home ahead of the weekend. A major event to note is the annual “La Tomatina” festival in Buñol, near Valencia. The DGT and local police (Policía Local) will implement road closures and diversions around the town centre, and the A-3 motorway between Valencia and Madrid is likely to see increased traffic. The “Vuelta a España” will have its fifth stage, a team time trial in Figueres, causing road closures in the area.

Traffic will continue to build throughout the day as the long-weekend “Operation Return” begins to take effect. The DGT advises that the busiest period will be from the late afternoon onwards, with heavy congestion expected on major motorways leading into large cities. The “Vuelta a España” will have a mountain stage from Olot to Pal in Andorra, which will cause road closures and delays on mountain passes.

This is the official start of “Operation Return” and is expected to be one of the busiest travel days of the summer. The DGT anticipates extremely heavy traffic from the early afternoon, with peak congestion between 3 pm and 10 pm. The main routes affected will be those leading from coastal areas and holiday destinations back to major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. The A-3 in the Valencian Community, the A-4 in Andalusia, and the AP-7 along the Mediterranean coast are all expected to be heavily congested. In addition, the “Vuelta a España” continues with a mountain stage from Andorra la Vella to Cerler, Huesca, causing further mountain road closures.

The Weekend

The DGT has designated this weekend, from the 29th to the 31st of August, as one of the most critical for traffic, marking the “Operation Return” of summer holidaymakers. Over seven million journeys are expected.

Saturday, August 30th, will see a mix of congestion as some people continue to return from their holidays while others embark on short trips. Peak times for congestion are forecast between 9 am and 2 pm. The “Vuelta a España” has a flat stage from Monzón to Zaragoza, which may cause minor delays in and around the start and finish lines.

Sunday, August 31st, will be the busiest day of the weekend, with extremely high volumes of returning traffic. The DGT advises that the worst of the congestion will be in the afternoon and evening, with peak times from 6 pm until midnight. Motorways such as the A-3, A-4, A-5, A-6, and A-1 leading into Madrid, as well as the AP-7 and A-7 on the coast, will be severely affected. The “Vuelta a España” concludes the week with a hilly stage from Alfaro to Estación de esquí de Valdezcaray, impacting roads in the Rioja region.

Next Week

Following the intense traffic of “Operation Return,” the start of next week will see a gradual return to normal traffic conditions, although localised congestion may persist in the early morning as people return to work. The “Vuelta a España” will continue to cause rolling road closures and diversions throughout the country until it concludes in mid-September. Drivers should continue to monitor local and national traffic reports, particularly for routes in the north of Spain.

The post Expect One of the Busiest Weeks on Spain’s Roads as Summer Holidays Come to an End first appeared on N332 Radio.

The week ahead in Spain is looking predominantly hot and dry, with a few exceptions. While much of the country will experience clear, sunny days, there is a risk of isolated showers and thunderstorms in certain regions.

Winds will be a factor, particularly midweek, and drivers of high-sided vehicles should be especially cautious.

A key concern remains the ongoing risk of wildfires due to the dry conditions, so vigilance is paramount for all road users.

This is also a peak time for “Operation Return” traffic, as many holidaymakers will be heading home, making an already busy weekend even more congested.

The start of the week, Monday and Tuesday, will see a continuation of the warm and sunny conditions across most of the country.

Monday afternoon may see some isolated showers in the eastern and northern regions, which could create slick road surfaces. If you encounter rain, remember to slow down and increase your following distance, as the first rain after a long dry spell can make roads very greasy.

Temperatures will remain high, so ensure your vehicle’s air conditioning is working and that you have plenty of water for your journey.

In the middle of the week, from Wednesday to Thursday, we will see a shift in conditions. A front moving across the country will bring a drop in temperatures, particularly in the north and central parts of Spain.

This will also be accompanied by stronger winds, especially on Wednesday, which could be gusty in some areas. High-sided vehicles and caravans should be prepared for difficult driving conditions and are advised to give themselves plenty of space and to be aware of their vehicle’s stability.

For everyone else, please give these vehicles plenty of room, especially when overtaking. There is a higher chance of thunderstorms on Thursday, particularly in the mountainous regions, which can lead to flash flooding and poor visibility.

The end of the week on Friday will see a return to more stable, sunny weather, with a gradual rise in temperatures.

Winds will ease, making for generally good driving conditions. However, the high temperatures and dry conditions will elevate the risk of wildfires in many areas. Remember to never throw a cigarette butt or any other litter out of your window, and if you are stopping at a rest area, ensure any smoking paraphernalia is fully extinguished and disposed of properly.

The weekend will be particularly busy on the roads due to the “Operation Return” period, with many people heading home from their summer holidays.

Saturday will be hot and sunny across most of Spain, which will be a good day for driving from a weather perspective, but the heavy traffic will be a major issue.

Sunday will see a similar pattern, with clear skies and high temperatures. Drivers may want to consider traveling early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the worst of the heat and traffic congestion, as the main return flow is expected to be heavy throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Be prepared for delays and give yourself extra time for your journey.

Next Week

Looking ahead to next week, the forecast is for a continuation of the stable and sunny weather. Temperatures will be high, and the risk of wildfires will remain a significant concern, so the advice on avoiding fires and driving safely in hot, dry conditions remains the same. The heavy “Operation Return” traffic is expected to ease off by the middle of the week.

The post A Hot and Dry week with Continued Fire Risk and a Busy Weekend – The Driving Weather Forecast for Spain first appeared on N332 Radio.

This weekend, flights across Europe face delays from thunderstorms in Spain, Italy, and the Balkans, alongside air traffic staff shortages in Greece and strikes in Belgrade. Spain’s Palma airport is a declared hotspot. Ferries and trains remain on schedule but will be extremely busy.

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The post Weekend Flight and Travel Update: 23–24 August 2025 first appeared on N332 Radio.

Thunderstorms across Southern and Central Europe, air traffic strikes in Belgrade, and Greek controller shortages are set to disrupt flights this weekend. Spain will also see delays in Barcelona, Palma, and Seville. Ferries and trains are running normally but with very high demand.

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The post Europe and Spain Flight and Long-Distance Travel Update – 21–24 August 2025 first appeared on N332 Radio.