As millions of tourists prepare for a weekend getaway in Spain, a series of severe weather warnings have been issued, leaving many hopeful vacationers facing disappointment. Spain and the Balearic Islands are bracing for heavy rain, hail, and thunderstorms, with a Status Orange storm warning in effect for several regions, including popular tourist destinations like Barcelona and Mallorca.
The General Directorate of Civil Protection and Emergencies in Spain has alerted travelers to the adverse weather conditions. "Due to the weather conditions at #Barcelona and #Mallorca, Protección Civil recommends: Preferably use highways and motorways if you need to travel; stay away from rivers, streams, and low-lying areas on slopes; do not cross flooded sections on foot or by vehicle," the agency advised on social media.
This warning comes as Spain grapples with a low-pressure system moving in from the Atlantic, combined with a cold air mass affecting the Iberian Peninsula. These conditions have resulted in heavy rainfall and the potential for snow in higher altitude areas, causing significant disruptions across the country.
The Spanish meteorological agency AEMET confirmed that Orange storm warnings continue into the weekend, particularly on the Catalan coast and in Mallorca. "Orange storm warnings (major danger) continue into Friday morning on the Catalan coast and in Mallorca. They will form again in the afternoon. Attention on Saturday: storms could be very strong and with hail, especially in parts of the northern peninsula," AEMET stated.
As the storm system moves through, forecasters predict that the worst of the weather will hit areas between Madrid and Valencia, including the Serranía de Cuenca. Severe thunderstorm warnings are expected to cover much of the country, with general warnings affecting about half of Spain, particularly in the central regions and near the Portuguese border.
Meanwhile, the UK is experiencing markedly different weather conditions, with temperatures expected to reach the low 20s Celsius over the weekend of May 10-11, 2025. The Met Office has reported that Friday will be a dry day with plenty of warm sunshine, a stark contrast to the unsettled weather across Spain.
In addition to the storm warnings, the Canary Islands are also experiencing heavy rainfall despite warmer temperatures. Tourists in popular spots like Alcudia and Palma can expect cloudy conditions and thunderstorms until at least next Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Tenerife, although enjoying highs of 22 degrees, is also set to see heavy rainfall throughout the weekend.
The weather woes aren't the only concern for tourists in Spain. Recently, tens of thousands of residents on the Spanish island of La Palma in the Canary Islands were left without power due to a blackout that occurred on Thursday, May 8, 2025. This blackout hit several areas that had previously avoided the massive outage affecting much of Spain and Portugal on April 28. Local media suggested that the source of the problem lies at the Los Guinchos power plant, although the exact cause remains unknown.
As travelers consider their plans, the Spanish weather forecast suggests that the cool and rainy conditions could persist into the following week, although a change in trend is beginning to appear, with more stable weather and rising temperatures expected thereafter. For those planning to visit Spain, the advice is clear: stay informed and heed weather warnings to ensure safety during this tumultuous weather period.
With millions of visitors flocking to Spain each year, the timing of these warnings is particularly concerning as the summer months approach. As the weather unfolds, travelers are urged to remain cautious and adaptable, as the weather can change rapidly in these regions.
In summary, while the allure of sunny beaches and vibrant culture draws many to Spain, the current weather conditions serve as a stark reminder of nature's unpredictability. Tourists are encouraged to stay updated on the latest forecasts and to prioritize their safety while navigating through this challenging weather system.
