Else Beekman
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a red alert for parts of Málaga (until 19h) and Castellón due to expected heavy rainfall. Authorities urge residents in these areas to take extreme precautions as flooding and dangerous conditions are anticipated.
Aemet has warned that up to 120 litres per square metre of rainfall could accumulate in just 12 hours in the Ronda and Serrania de Ronda area of Málaga. In fact, mobile phones have rung for the second time in Malaga due to the activation of the ES-Alert system. With this, Civil Protection has warned of the activation of the alert in the Serranía de Ronda. Meteorologists warn that there are “stationary showers in the area around Pujerra”.
A total of 20 municipalities in Malaga have activated their local territorial emergency plans for Civil Protection (PTEL): Alhaurin el Grande, Alora, Alozaina, Benalmadena, Benabarra, Casares, Coin, Estepona, Igualeja Fuengirola, Malaga, Manilva, Marbella, Rincon de la Victoria, Yunquera, Gaucin, Algatocin, Antequera, Torremolinos, Jimera de Libar.
More severe rainfall in southern Castellón
The situation is even more severe in southern Castellón, where precipitation could reach 180 litres per square metre within the same period. Authorities have urged people to avoid flood-prone areas, including riverbanks and dry stream beds, as sudden water surges pose a significant danger.
Widespread instability across Spain
The storm system affecting Málaga and Castellón is part of a larger weather pattern bringing instability to the Mediterranean coast, the Gulf of Cádiz, and the Strait of Gibraltar. Cold air and multiple frontal systems will maintain winter-like conditions throughout the country this week.
Risk of flooding in several regions
The red alerts in Málaga and Castellón add to the existing orange alerts in Catalonia, the Valencian Community, Cádiz, and other parts of Andalusia. These areas could see rainfall totals of up to 100 litres per square metre in just 12 hours. Aemet has stressed the importance of staying away from riverbeds and flood zones, even if they appear dry or have minimal water flow.
Yellow alerts for rain and snow
Other parts of Spain, including Castilla y León and Extremadura, are under yellow alerts due to expected heavy rainfall, which could impact daily activities. The Canary Islands are also affected, with intense rain predicted on the larger islands, particularly in higher-altitude areas where snow is possible.
Additionally, meteorologists expect snowfall in the Central System and the Pyrenees, with snow levels rising from 1,400–1,600 metres to 1,600–2,000 metres as the day progresses.
Strong winds and coastal hazards
The adverse weather is not limited to rain and snow. Aemet has also activated warnings for strong winds and hazardous coastal conditions in Andalusia, the Balearic Islands, and Catalonia. The weather agency expects powerful gusts in Alborán and the northeastern and northwestern coasts, with particularly strong winds hitting the Tramuntana region in the Balearics.
Precaution urged
Meteorologists warn that these severe conditions could persist throughout the week. Residents in affected regions should stay informed and follow official safety guidelines to minimise risks.
Stay tuned for further updates as Spain faces another round of extreme weather.
Also read: ES-Alert: The lifesaving system on your smartphone you should know about