Lorraine Williamson
Spain faces another unsettled weekend after heavy rain and hail disrupted parts of the country overnight, while AEMET keeps weather warnings active for storms, showers, and possible travel delays.
There is now confirmed storm damage in Albacete, active Friday warnings from AEMET, and a clearer picture of how the unsettled weather could affect weekend journeys, outdoor plans and Sunday return traffic.
At a glance
- AEMET expects showers and storms on Friday, with some potentially strong in parts of Spain.
- Heavy rain and hail have already caused flooding, crop damage and road problems in Albacete.
- Weekend travel could be affected, especially during Friday evening departures and Sunday return traffic.
- Drivers and anyone attending outdoor events should check local forecasts before setting off.
Hail in Albacete shows the risk of sudden spring storms
The clearest warning came from Albacete province, where intense rain and hail hit several municipalities on Thursday evening.
El Bonillo was among the worst-affected areas, with more than 77 litres per square metre recorded in just a few hours. Local reports said the storm caused flooding in homes and premises, overwhelmed drains and damaged crops.
The episode was severe enough to affect roads. On the CM-3251, maintenance teams had to use snow-clearing machinery to remove accumulated hail from the carriageway. Other parts of the province, including Balazote, Riópar, Corral Rubio and San Pedro, also recorded significant rainfall.
It is a reminder that spring storms in Spain can be highly localised. One town may see only showers, while another faces flooding, hail and dangerous driving conditions within a short time.
Friday brings more showers, thunder and possible hail
According to AEMET’s national forecast for Friday, showers and storms may be locally strong in some areas, with the most unstable weather linked to a low-pressure system to the west of the Peninsula.
Reports based on AEMET information point to a generally unsettled day across much of the country. Rain and showers are expected to spread from the north and north-west towards eastern areas as the day develops, with storms possible in places.
By Friday morning, yellow weather warnings were reported in several northern and inland areas, including parts of Aragón, Cantabria, Castilla y León, the Basque Country, Navarra and La Rioja. That level does not usually mean widespread danger, but it does mean weather conditions could affect normal activity.
A wet weekend for many parts of Spain
The unsettled pattern is expected to continue into the weekend.
AEMET’s outlook points to rain across much of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands on Saturday. Some showers may be locally strong or persistent, especially around mountain areas such as the Sistema Central and the Pyrenees.
Sunday is also expected to stay unsettled in many areas. Rain may become less likely in parts of the eastern Peninsula, but showers could still be abundant in western Galicia, the Sistema Central and parts of the Pyrenees.
Temperatures are also expected to fall during the weekend, especially in western and central Spain. That could make the weather feel cooler than many people expect for May, particularly after recent milder spells.
Weekend traffic could become more difficult
The timing is awkward for anyone planning a weekend journey.
The DGT says spring weekends usually bring heavier traffic away from major cities on Friday afternoons and evenings, especially between 5pm and 10pm. Saturday morning can also be busy, while Sunday return traffic is often heaviest between 7pm and 11pm.
Rain and storms can make those journeys more difficult. Heavy showers reduce visibility, hail can make road surfaces slippery, and sudden downpours may overwhelm drainage in urban areas or on secondary roads.
The DGT advises drivers to check road and weather conditions before travelling, especially during spring, when weather changes can be sudden and intense. It also recommends planning alternative routes when adverse conditions are possible.
Outdoor plans may need flexibility
The weather could also affect terraces, local fiestas, sports events and outdoor gatherings.
In Madrid, the forecast is already being watched closely as San Isidro celebrations get under way. Elsewhere, many towns and cities are moving into peak spring event season, when a sudden storm can quickly disrupt plans.
The best advice is to check local updates rather than relying only on a national forecast. AEMET’s warnings can change during the day, especially when showers and storms develop unevenly.
A normal May pattern, but not one to ignore
Unsettled May weather is not unusual in Spain. Spring often brings sharp contrasts between warm spells, cooler Atlantic air and fast-developing storms.
Even so, the disruption in Albacete shows why these episodes matter. A short storm can still flood streets, damage crops or make roads dangerous.
For now, the safest approach is to keep checking AEMET’s local warnings, follow regional emergency advice and build some flexibility into weekend plans. In many places, the rain may come and go. Where storms form, however, they could be strong enough to cause real disruption.