Spain rain alert: Yellow warnings as downpours sweep the Mediterranean coast

Heavens opened in Spain as heavy rain and thunderstorms swept the Mediterranean coast on Tuesday, November 3. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued yellow weather warnings for several regions, including Alicante, Valencia, Murcia, and the Balearic Islands. Residents and travelers were advised to monitor updates as conditions evolved.

The Alicante coastline faced the highest risk, with up to 30 liters of rain per square meter predicted in one hour, alongside possible thunderstorms. Northern Alicante could see up to 60mm of rain over 12 hours. Southern Valencia Province also received a yellow warning, with similar rainfall totals expected.

Murcia's Guadalentin Valley, Lorca, Aguilas, Campo de Cartagena, and Mazarron were included in the warnings, with some areas potentially receiving up to 15mm of rain in an hour and 60mm over 12 hours. The Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, and Formentera also faced rain warnings.

Wednesday, November 4, was expected to bring a broader spell of unsettled weather along Spain's southern and southeastern coastline, with showers and thunderstorms across the Mediterranean and parts of southern Andalucia. The areas to monitor included Cadiz, Malaga, Granada, Almeria, Murcia, Alicante, and Valencia.

Parts of the Strait of Gibraltar, including the Cadiz coastline, faced the possibility of locally heavy showers. Further east, the Valencian Community could experience persistent rainfall, particularly around the southern Valencia coast and northern Alicante coastline.

AEMET predicted that yellow warnings for parts of Alicante and Valencia would continue into Wednesday morning. Northern Alicante could see up to 20mm of rain in one hour and 60mm over 12 hours, while the southern Valencia coastline faced a similar risk. Murcia's Campo de Cartagena and Mazarron were expected to remain under a rain warning until Wednesday evening.

Moving forward to Thursday, November 5, AEMET forecasted a gradual improvement in conditions, although showers could persist across the eastern third of the mainland, especially in Catalonia. Temperatures were expected to gradually recover, but nights would remain chilly in parts of northern and central Spain. Drivers were urged to exercise caution around flooded roads, underpasses, and riverbeds, as even shallow water could pose significant risks.