British holidaymakers in parts of Spain could face ‘very strong thunderstorms’ and heavy rain this weekend. The country’s national weather agency Aemet has issued rare amber warnings for rain in Catalonia, a region in the north east which includes popular city break destination Barcelona.
The amber alert – signifying an ‘important risk’ – comes into force at midnight on Friday and lasts until midday on Saturday, warning of up to 100mm of rainfall in 12 hours. Further yellow warnings for heavy rain and storms are in place along Spain’s east coast, covering destinations such as Valencia, Benidorm and Alicante. These are expected to last until 9am on Saturday.
Tourists on holiday along the coast of Granada and Almeria can expected “periods of strong winds”. Yellow weather alerts for heavy rain and storms have also been issued for the Balearic Islands, covering Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca. In Ibiza these remain in place until 2pm, but are set to last longer for Majorca and Menorca, lasting until 5pm and 7pm respectively.
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The majority of warnings are set to be lifted by Sunday, except in Ibiza and Majorca which could still see significant rain showers. According to forecasters this weekend’s stormy conditions is due to a weather front which has moved eastwards across the country.
Aemet has issued weather warnings for Spain for October 26 with strong storms and rain forecast -Credit:aemet.es
Forecasting for Saturday Aemet said: “A front is expected to finish crossing the east of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, with precipitation and storms in the northeast of the Peninsula and the northern Mediterranean area, generally tending to decrease. They may be locally strong and/or persistent in areas of the northeast, Levante and the Balearic Islands, and locally very strong on Catalan coasts.
“In the rest of the Peninsula, a situation of post-frontal instability is expected, followed by the probable formation of a DANA. Thus, showers are expected in Galicia, Cantabria and large areas of the rest, tending to subside in the Meseta.”
Those in the Canary Islands can expect some precipitation and “very strong gusts”. In terms of temperatures across Spain, Aemet added:”Temperatures are falling almost across the board, with maximum temperatures noticeable in the southeast interior, except in Galicia where they will rise. Light frosts in the mountains of the northern half, more intense in the western Cantabrian region.
“Westerly winds will blow on the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, stronger on the coasts, with probable intervals of strong and/or very strong gusts in Galicia, Cantabria, Alboran and areas of the eastern Mediterranean area. The trade wind will strengthen in the Canary Islands with intervals of strong and very strong gusts.”