Rain may intensify from Saturday along parts of the Mediterranean coast and in the Balearic Islands. Protección Civil is urging drivers to stay off flooded roads as temperatures drop across much of Spain.
After several days of unusual warmth, forecasters are tracking a sharp change due from Saturday, 17 October. Spain’s state meteorological agency Aemet issued its warning on 14 October. A DANA, an isolated upper-level depression, is expected to form north of the country as a trough crosses the Iberian Peninsula. The setup could bring intense, persistent rain and thunderstorms, especially on the Mediterranean coast and in the Balearic Islands. Aemet says the system’s position remains uncertain, leaving the areas most exposed to the heaviest rain unclear.
A colder air mass is expected to move in as high pressure settles around the British Isles and the North Sea. Temperatures should fall across Spain, returning to levels more typical of mid-October. The drop is expected to be especially marked in the northwest on Saturday.
The episode is forecast to start on 17 October. A front will affect the Cantabrian coast, while showers and thunderstorms may form inland. By Saturday afternoon, rain could spread and intensify along the Mediterranean coast and over the Balearic Islands. Sunday, 18 October, is expected to bring the most significant and persistent precipitation to Mediterranean coastal areas and nearby inland districts. The islands are also in the forecast, with local showers and thunderstorms possible elsewhere inland. Temperatures should fall again across much of the peninsula, particularly in the east. La Vanguardia described the expected rain on 17 and 18 October as intense and persistent.
The highest risk is forecast in the eastern and southern parts of the peninsula. The Balearic Islands are also at risk, as are Ceuta and Melilla. Strong or very strong thunderstorms may accompany showers in these areas. In Málaga, Aemet put the chance of rain on Saturday at 95%.
Aemet spokesperson Rubén del Campo said the DANA was expected to arrive from high latitudes and bring a marked drop in temperatures across Spain. Weekend readings could fall below seasonal averages.
On the Balearic Islands, Sunday’s highs could drop by about 5°C, to around 19–21°C. Aemet is watching the system’s track because even a shift in its position could change how rain is distributed between the islands. The final positions of the DANA and the trough could affect rainfall totals, as well as which areas receive the heaviest precipitation. Aemet advises checking updated forecasts in the coming days.
Road safety advice
During heavy rain, Protección Civil recommends reducing speed and taking extra care. Drivers should use main roads or motorways where possible. Never try to cross a flooded section, whether on foot or in a vehicle. Avoid stopping where large volumes of water may flow.
A rapid rise in water can damage parked vehicles or sweep them away, especially in areas prone to flooding. Protección Civil warns against trying to rescue a car caught in floodwater. If water surrounds a vehicle, occupants should leave it and move to higher ground when they can do so safely.
In the countryside, Protección Civil advises people to keep away from rivers and torrents. Avoid low ground and flooded fords, and move to higher ground. If an evacuation at home may be necessary, move essential items upstairs. Shut off electricity and gas supplies, then follow instructions from the authorities.
