Spain’s Mediterranean coast and Catalonia began Thursday under orange-level weather alerts as the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) warned of storms, heavy rain and hazardous waves. The alerts cover Andalucía, the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Murcia and the Valencian Community. Officials are urging people to prepare for possible flooding, wind damage and travel delays. The most severe conditions are expected in the east and the Balearic Islands, with orange warnings in Catalonia, the Balearics, Murcia, the Valencian Community and parts of Andalucía, including Almería.
In Andalucía, the basic concern is intense rain and thunderstorms. Catalonia faces dangerous sea conditions, while Murcia and the Valencian Community also face a risk of heavy downpours, especially along the coast and in the south. The Balearic Islands, particularly the Pitiusas, are preparing for overnight storms that could worsen before dawn, raising the risk of local flooding and hail. AEMET has set a warning threshold of more than 100 liters of rain per square meter in just 3 to 4 hours in some areas of Catalonia and the Balearics. Warnings also cover large hail, strong wind gusts and localized flooding.
In Catalonia, the Civil Protection agency activated the INUNCAT flood plan and advised residents to avoid secondary roads and not cross riverbeds or ravines during the alert.
The southeast and Balearic Islands will see the most unstable weather in the early hours, but the effects will reach much of Spain. Mountain areas in the north will have warmer daytime temperatures, while the Alborán coast, the southeast and the islands are set for a sharp drop. Morning fog is likely in the north and southeast, making driving more difficult. The shift follows a period of intense heat. Meteorologists say the sudden temperature drop signals the arrival of a cold front and unstable air.
Forecasts show the worst storms will hit Almería, Murcia, the southern Valencian Community and the Pitiusas, with heavy rain and hail possible overnight and into the morning. Galicia, the Cantabrian coast, the Strait and Alborán may get some rain, but the basic threat is in the east and along the Mediterranean. Rubén del Campo, press secretary for AEMET, has warned that heavy rain, hail and strong winds could damage infrastructure and bring down trees and branches, disrupting roads and urban areas.
Regional bulletins forecast nighttime and early-morning storms in the Balearic Islands, including Ibiza and Formentera, with wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h and sea waves reaching 2-4 meters. These conditions have led to confirmed transport delays, including those reported at Palma airport.
Wind is another concern. The Ampurdán region in Catalonia could see very strong gusts, while the north of the Balearics faces periods of strong wind. Moderate winds are expected along the northwest and southeast coasts, the Ebro valley and the Strait, with lighter breezes elsewhere. In the Canary Islands, the north will be cloudy with possible drizzle. The rest of the islands will stay mostly clear, with a noticeable drop in temperatures and Saharan dust at higher altitudes.
Regional forecasts point to a mix of conditions. Galicia and Asturias will have clearer skies and rising temperatures. Cantabria and the Basque Country can expect morning clouds and mist, followed by sunshine and warmer weather. Castilla y León and Navarra will start foggy but clear up by afternoon. Aragón, La Rioja and Madrid are set for mostly clear skies with only minor temperature changes.
In Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete may see morning fog and cooler temperatures, while Extremadura is expected to be mostly unaffected. The southern coast of the Valencian Community faces the highest risk of severe storms and hail, especially early in the day. Temperatures will drop in Alicante but rise in the north of Castellón and Valencia. Murcia is on alert for strong coastal storms and a sharp drop in maximum temperatures.
The sharpest cooling is expected on Andalucía’s Mediterranean coast, with thunderstorms possible at night in eastern areas. Weather changes elsewhere in Andalucía will be minor. Temperatures will fall in the Canary Islands, but could reach 30°C in southeastern Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, as well as on the southern and western slopes of Gran Canaria. Strong winds are expected in exposed areas, especially on Tenerife’s basic peaks.
These weather events follow a period of unstable conditions in Spain’s Mediterranean regions. Previous reports show that orange warnings for storms and waves are becoming more common, prompting local authorities to update emergency response protocols and alert systems. In Catalonia, the alert system was raised from monitoring to full alert as early as September 7-8, with warnings updated as forecasts changed.
Spain’s varied geography means some regions are preparing for flooding and strong winds while others have clear skies and rising temperatures. Immediate consequences include transport delays, school disruptions and increased risks in coastal areas. The current wave of orange alerts highlights the vulnerability of Mediterranean infrastructure to sudden weather changes. With Aemet warnings now regular, residents and authorities in at-risk regions must prepare for unpredictable conditions.
