Else Beekman
The Spanish meteorological agency, AEMET, has activated yellow weather alerts across the Valencian Community due to an episode of heavy and persistent rainfall. The most intense weather conditions are expected in the coming days, with rainfall exceeding 150 litres per square metre (l/m²) in some areas.
According to AEMET, the regions most affected include northern Alicante, southern Valencia, and the inland areas of Castellón. The updated weather warnings for Monday, March 3, predict:
- Up to 60 mm of rain in 12 hours for coastal and inland areas of Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón.
- 20 mm of rain per hour in various parts of the community.
- Coastal hazards, including waves reaching up to 3 metres.
- Localized accumulations between 100 and 140 mm by the end of Monday.
Additionally, moderate northeast winds will affect the coastal areas. There, meteorologists expect strong gusts in the southern regions.
Snow expected in Castellón’s interior
Apart from heavy rain and strong winds, AEMET expects snowfall in northern Castellón on Sunday, March 2. Furthermore, the weather agency has issued a yellow alert for up to 5 cm of snow in 24 hours, though the probability remains low.
The snow level will initially be between 700 and 900 metres but is expected to rise above 1,400 metres by midday. This reduces the chances of snowfall at lower elevations. Higher-altitude areas, however, may still experience a wintery landscape despite the approaching spring season.
Unstable weather to persist throughout the week
This weather instability is due to a DANA (Isolated High-Level Depression) combined with low-pressure systems from North Africa. Rainfall has already reached up to 90 l/m² in some parts of southern Spain, and in the Valencian Community, precipitation is expected to peak on Monday and Tuesday.
How long will the rainfall in Valencia last?
The unstable weather is forecasted to continue until at least Thursday, March 7. Expected rainfall could exceed 150 l/m² in northern Alicante and southern Valencia. Some projections even suggest accumulated totals of 200-250 l/m² in extreme cases.
Although AEMET expects heavy rainfall, they do not predict torrential downpours. Instead, consistent rain accumulation may lead to rising water levels in streams and rivers. However, experts stress that this situation is not comparable to the severe DANA event that hit the region in October 2024.
Fallas 2025 at risk of weather disruptions
The arrival of this storm coincides with the beginning of the Fallas 2025 celebrations. Official events started on March 1, and ongoing rainfall may affect key outdoor activities, including the daily mascletàs in Valencia’s Plaza del Ayuntamiento, which attract thousands of visitors. These traditional pyrotechnic events involve a rhythmic sequence of powerful firecrackers and fireworks. Consequently, creating a loud, ground-shaking spectacle designed to be experienced more through sound and vibration than visuals.
Other Fallas-related events, such as fireworks displays and neighbourhood festivities, may also face disruptions due to the persistent rain and active weather warnings.