AEMET has activated a yellow alert for storms in northern Castellón. Intense rain, hail and electrical activity are expected this afternoon. The warning covers 14:00 to 22:00 and may affect travel and outdoor plans.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued the first weather alert of September for the Comunitat Valenciana, focusing on the northern interior of Castellón. From 14:00 to 21:59 on Wednesday, a yellow warning will be in effect due to the risk of intense storms, heavy rainfall, hail, and significant lightning activity. The alert highlights the possibility of up to 20 litres of rain per square metre in just one hour, with a 40% to 70% chance of these conditions materialising.
The warning specifically targets the northern interior of Castellón province, where storms are expected to develop during the afternoon. AEMET notes that these storms could be locally severe, with some areas experiencing intense downpours, hail, and frequent lightning, while nearby towns may see only light rain or remain dry. The agency stresses that the 20-litre threshold is a local maximum and not a province-wide forecast.
Both rain and storm alerts will be active simultaneously, and although the yellow level is considered low risk in the Meteoalerta system, it signals the potential for weather events that could disrupt outdoor activities, travel, or vulnerable locations. AEMET advises residents and visitors to monitor the sky and check official updates, especially if planning to drive, work outdoors, or visit mountainous areas during the warning period. Sudden reductions in visibility, water accumulation on roads, and hail are possible, along with brief gusts of wind, though no specific wind alert is currently in place.
The rest of the Comunitat Valenciana is not included in the alert for this day, but isolated showers or storms could still occur outside the designated zone. The warning is based on where the probability of exceeding adverse thresholds is highest, not on where all rain will fall. AEMET will update its alert map as conditions evolve, and recommends checking for the latest information throughout the day.
This alert comes at the start of the meteorological autumn, which began on 1 September, even as temperatures remain high for the season in many parts of the region. The combination of warm, humid air at the surface and unstable atmospheric conditions is contributing to the risk of short but intense storms with frequent lightning. This pattern aligns with a broader seasonal trend, as the Mediterranean coast faces a higher likelihood of above-average rainfall in the coming months. AEMET estimates a 70% chance that September, October, and November will be warmer than usual in eastern Spain, with increased chances of heavy rain, as noted in their outlook for a warmer, wetter autumn in the Comunitat Valenciana.
During storms, AEMET recommends avoiding open areas, isolated trees, ridges, and elevated points. It is also advisable to stay away from metal structures and suspend outdoor activities if thunder is heard. On the roads, drivers should reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid crossing flooded areas, as even shallow water can hide road damage or strong currents. The forecast and alerts may change as the situation develops, and up-to-date information is available on AEMET's official weather alert map.
Recent years have seen increased attention to weather-related risks in the region, especially after major incidents such as wildfires and severe storms. For example, the Generalitat has introduced new measures to support forest conservation following wildfire damage, as detailed in this report on compensation for landowners maintaining forest areas. These initiatives reflect a broader effort to adapt to changing weather patterns and mitigate the impact of extreme events in the Comunitat Valenciana.
