Tormenta vs. tempestad vs. temporal
In Spanish, storm can be translated into three different words: tormenta, tempestad, and temporal. While all of them refer to some form of severe weather, they have different connotations and are used in different contexts.
Tormenta
A2Tormenta refers to any storm, often ones with thunder and lightning. It's the most general term for a storm.
Se viene una tormenta muy fuerte.
(A very strong storm is coming.)
El cielo anunciaba una tormenta.
(The sky was announcing a storm.)
Tempestad
B2Tempestad is a slightly more poetic or dramatic way to refer to a powerful, violent storm. It's frequently used in literature or when speaking metaphorically.
La tempestad azotó la costa toda la noche.
(The tempest raged against the coast all night.)
Después de la tempestad, viene la calma.
(After the tempest, calm comes.)
Temporal
B1Temporal refers specifically to long-lasting storms or bad weather periods, especially at sea.
El temporal causó daños graves en el puerto.
(The storm caused serious damage to the port.)
Hubo un temporal de viento y lluvia durante tres días seguidos.
(There was a wind and rain storm for three consecutive days.)
Summary
Tormenta, tempestad, and temporal all mean storm, but they vary in their intensity and usage. Tormenta is a general term for any kind of storm. Tempestad describes intense storms and often used in a metaphorical or literary context. Temporal designates sustained periods of bad weather or maritime storms.