AEMET has activated weather warnings for storms, hail, and damaging winds in southeast Spain. Temperatures are set to reach 45°C in several provinces. Authorities warn of localised downbursts and high fire risk.
Weather warnings have been issued across southeast Spain as a new heatwave combines with unstable atmospheric conditions to trigger severe storms, hail, and powerful wind gusts. The Spanish meteorological agency AEMET has activated alerts for several provinces, with the most acute risks expected from 17:00 onwards in the southern part of the Valencian Community, the extreme southeast of Castilla-La Mancha, and the interior of the Region of Murcia.
According to AEMET, the combination of intense surface heat, cold air at higher altitudes, and converging winds is creating ideal conditions for rapid storm development. These storms are forecast to bring sudden downpours, localised hailstorms, and potentially dangerous downbursts—violent downward air currents that can generate wind gusts exceeding 80–90 km/h. The most affected areas are expected to be between Valencia, eastern Albacete, and the northern and western parts of Murcia, with isolated cells possibly reaching other parts of the eastern third of the peninsula.
Downbursts, known as "reventones" in Spanish, are particularly hazardous due to their sudden onset and the potential for significant damage. They occur when a fast-moving column of air descends from a storm cloud, hits the ground, and spreads out rapidly, sometimes producing wind speeds over 120 km/h. While often mistaken for tornadoes, downbursts are distinct in their radial wind pattern and can cause similar levels of destruction to property and infrastructure.
The Harmonie weather model predicts that these storms will move quickly from west to east, occasionally impacting the coastal areas of Valencia. Although heavy rainfall accumulations are not expected, precipitation may contain dust, resulting in muddy rain. The European Severe Storms Laboratory has also highlighted the risk of hailstones larger than 2 cm, particularly between Valencia and eastern Albacete. Electrical activity could be significant in some locations, coinciding with extremely high wildfire risk across much of the eastern interior.
In response, AEMET has issued yellow alerts for storms in the southern interior of Valencia, Hellín-Almansa (Albacete), the Altiplano de Jumilla-Yecla, and the northwest of Murcia. These warnings emphasise the likelihood of strong wind gusts and hail. Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, especially in areas prone to flash flooding or wind damage.
While the southeast braces for afternoon storms, the broader region is experiencing the onset of a new heatwave. Temperatures are forecast to reach up to 45°C in valleys and lowlands of the east and southeast, with oppressive nights where thermometers may not drop below 25°C, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and in Andalusia. This prolonged episode of extreme heat has already pushed several provinces past official heatwave thresholds, with persistent high temperatures expected to continue through the week.
Looking ahead, meteorologists anticipate a shift in weather patterns over the weekend. A descent of the polar jet stream is expected to allow a pocket of cold air to cross the peninsula, bringing a general drop in temperatures and renewed storm activity in multiple regions. Until then, the main concern remains the combination of extreme heat and severe localised storms, which could exacerbate wildfire risks and cause further disruption.
Spain has faced a series of challenging weather events this season, including recent wildfires and episodes of Saharan dust. For example, recent Saharan dust outbreaks have led to muddy rains and air quality concerns in Mediterranean regions, compounding the impact of heat and storms on daily life and infrastructure.
For context, Spain's southeast is particularly vulnerable to rapid weather changes due to its varied topography and proximity to both the Mediterranean and continental air masses. The convergence of these factors often results in sudden, intense storms during periods of extreme heat. Residents and local authorities are advised to monitor official updates and take precautions as conditions evolve.
