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
'Tormenta' 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
'Tempestad' 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
'Temporal' 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.