Severe Weather Disrupts Spain as Heavy Rain and Storms Batter Popular Tourist Destinations

March 4, 2025: Holidaymakers traveling to Spain in the coming days may need to swap sunglasses for raincoats, as the country grapples with an intense weather system that has triggered widespread disruptions. The Spanish national meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued multiple weather alerts, including Status Orange warnings, for several popular tourist regions, warning of torrential rainfall, strong winds, and severe storms.

Unstable Weather Grips Spain

While Spain is typically known for its warm climate, the current weather pattern has brought unusually heavy rainfall and storm conditions, leading to significant flooding in some areas. AEMET forecasts indicate that the unsettled weather will persist through at least Thursday, March 6, with the potential for strong downpours, thunderstorms, and hailstorms continuing into the weekend.

A special notice from AEMET warns of “very strong and persistent showers” affecting Mediterranean regions, Andalusia, and the Canary Islands, where rainfall accumulations could exceed 100mm within just 12 hours. Key tourist destinations, including Costa del Sol, Valencia, Alicante, Tarragona, Murcia, Almeria, and the Canary Islands, are expected to bear the brunt of the extreme weather, potentially disrupting travel and outdoor activities.

Flooding and Disruptions Across Tourist Hotspots

The adverse conditions have already led to record-breaking rainfall and widespread flooding. On Sunday, March 2, the city of Soria recorded 39.2mm of rain in just 24 hours, surpassing its previous March record of 31.8mm set in 2013.

Gran Canaria has been particularly hard-hit, with severe flooding prompting authorities to urge both tourists and residents to remain indoors. Rising water levels have affected approximately 850,000 residents—40% of the island’s total population—with streets submerged in mud and vehicles being swept away. Dramatic images circulating on social media show torrents of brown water cascading down the mountainous terrain into densely populated southern areas, a region popular with visitors.

In Tenerife, at least 80 people were trapped inside a supermarket due to flash floods, while in Valencia, authorities temporarily closed schools as a precautionary measure after issuing a red alert, later downgraded to Status Orange.

Forecast: More Rain and Storms Ahead

According to AEMET, the weather is expected to remain unstable throughout the week, with further heavy rainfall forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday. The most intense downpours are expected in the provinces of Valencia and Castellón, where rainfall could exceed 100mm in 12 hours and 150mm over 24 hours. Neighboring regions, including southern Tarragona and northern Alicante, may see more than 60mm of rain within half a day.

The extreme southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Almería and Murcia, will also experience intense showers, with western Andalusia likely to see worsening conditions by midweek. By Friday, the storm system is predicted to shift, bringing locally strong and persistent rainfall to the northeast of Spain, the Central System mountain range, the southwest, and the Strait of Gibraltar region.

The Canary Islands remain under threat as well, with AEMET forecasting continued heavy showers, particularly affecting the major islands, as well as Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. However, rainfall intensity in the archipelago is expected to gradually decrease starting Wednesday.

Travel Advisory for Holidaymakers

With the ongoing severe weather, travelers to Spain are advised to monitor local forecasts and take necessary precautions. Authorities recommend avoiding flood-prone areas, following official advisories, and staying informed about potential disruptions to transport and outdoor activities.

As Spain battles this unusual bout of extreme weather, visitors should be prepared for challenging conditions, with a mix of heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding affecting some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.