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Spain's Weather Agency Warns of Sudden Change: Storms and Falling Temperatures

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Spain's national weather agency, AEMET, has warned of a sudden change in the weather this week. It described the shift as a "sudden weather change."

According to AEMET, maximum temperatures will fall sharply across the country. The agency described the drop as "notable or extraordinary," meaning it will be very large.

AEMET also warned about strong storms that are expected between tomorrow and Friday. These storms may bring heavy rain and difficult weather conditions.

Three regions along the Mediterranean coast will be especially affected. They are expected to receive more than 50 litres of rain per square metre during this period.

This amount of rain is considered high and could lead to flooding or travel disruption in some areas.

AEMET described the change as a "thermal collapse," a term used when temperatures fall very quickly in a short time. The agency said this sudden shift will bring autumn conditions to Spain almost overnight.

Until now, many parts of Spain have experienced warmer temperatures typical of late summer. This new weather pattern is expected to end that period abruptly.

Authorities are likely to issue further updates as the storms and temperature drop approach. Residents in the Mediterranean regions, in particular, are advised to stay alert to official warnings this week.

Vocabulary10 words

AEMET
Spain's official agency that studies and reports the weather
weather agency
an organisation that gives official information about weather
temperatures
how hot or cold the air is
storms
periods of bad weather with strong wind, rain, or thunder
Mediterranean
the sea and coastal areas of southern Europe
collapse
a sudden, big fall in level or amount
autumn
the season between summer and winter, when it gets cooler
flooding
when water covers land that is usually dry
abruptly
suddenly, without warning
disruption
a problem that stops something working normally

Quiz

1. What did AEMET warn about this week?
2. How does AEMET describe the drop in temperatures?
3. Which areas are expected to get more than 50 litres of rain per square metre?

Fill-in-the-blank listening

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

Spain's national weather agency, AEMET, has warned of a sudden change in the _____ this week. It described the shift as a "sudden weather change."

According to AEMET, maximum _____ will fall sharply across the country. The agency described the drop as "notable or extraordinary," meaning it will be very large.

AEMET also warned about strong _____ that are expected between tomorrow and Friday. These storms may bring heavy rain and difficult weather conditions.

Three regions along the _____ coast will be especially affected. They are expected to receive more than 50 litres of rain per square metre during this period.

This amount of rain is considered high and could lead to _____ or travel disruption in some areas.

AEMET described the change as a "thermal _____," a term used when temperatures fall very quickly in a short time. The agency said this sudden shift will bring autumn conditions to Spain almost overnight.

Until now, many parts of Spain have experienced warmer temperatures typical of late summer. This new weather pattern is expected to end that period _____.

Authorities are likely to issue further updates as the storms and temperature drop approach. Residents in the Mediterranean regions, in particular, are advised to stay _____ to official warnings this week.

Discussion questions

  1. Have you ever experienced a sudden change in weather? What happened?
  2. Why do you think AEMET uses strong words like "extraordinary" to describe this change?
  3. How can heavy rain and storms affect daily life in a region?
  4. Do you think weather warnings like this one are helpful? Why or why not?

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