Tourists hoping for a sunny weekend in Spain and the Balearic Islands are in for a rude awakening as heavy rain and hail are set to batter the popular holiday destination. A Status Orange storm warning has been issued for large swathes of the country, with thunderstorms predicted to sweep through the northern regions, including Barcelona and Madrid.
According to Spain's state meteorological agency, AEMET, popular hotspots across Catalonia, Andalusia, Castile, and Valencia have been placed under storm alerts throughout the afternoon of Thursday, May 8, 2025, and into Friday, May 9, 2025. Forecasters have warned that these conditions may be accompanied by hail, and there is even a possibility of snow in higher areas.
The poor weather is expected to continue throughout the weekend, with conditions likely persisting into the following week. As the storm system moves in from the Atlantic, it brings with it a cold air mass that is making its way across the Iberian Peninsula. In stark contrast, the UK is gearing up for warm and sunny weather, with temperatures in London expected to reach 21 degrees Celsius on Saturday, May 10, 2025, and highs of 20 degrees in the Scottish Highlands.
Holidaymakers in Majorca and Menorca can expect highs of only 20 degrees, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and cloudy conditions forecast to last until Wednesday, May 14, 2025. The Canary Islands are not escaping unscathed either; despite warmer conditions in Tenerife, heavy rainfall is expected over Friday night and through the weekend, with highs of 22 degrees.
In a post on social media, AEMET wrote, “Thursday marked by storms. Attention, they will be strong in areas of Galicia and the centre and east of the Peninsula. They may be accompanied by hail.” The forecaster also noted that the interior of the Valencian Community could experience particularly severe storms, prompting the orange alert for significant danger.
As millions of tourists prepare for their travels, Spain's General Directorate of Civil Protection and Emergencies has issued a warning specifically for those heading to Barcelona or Mallorca. The agency advised travelers to use highways and motorways whenever possible, to stay away from rivers, streams, and low-lying areas, and to avoid crossing flooded sections on foot or by vehicle.
“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 stated.
As the storm system continues to wreak havoc across the country, the Spanish island of La Palma in the Canary archipelago experienced a power outage on Thursday, May 8, 2025, impacting around 30,000 residents. The local council reported that a third of the island was left without electricity, but power has since been fully restored. Fortunately, La Palma was not affected by the massive blackout that struck most of Spain and Portugal on April 28.
The weather is expected to remain unseasonably cool across much of Spain, with most areas seeing highs only between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Only parts of Andalucía and Murcia are expected to climb above 25 degrees. There’s even a chance of light snow at high altitudes in the north, which is quite unusual for May.
As for the weekend, forecasters predict more storms, with Saturday promising thunder, hail, and downpours across northern and eastern Spain. The worst of the weather is likely to hit the Cantabrian coast and upper Ebro valley. Strong winds are also forecast for La Palma and Tenerife, adding to the already challenging conditions.
By Sunday, May 11, 2025, some areas in the south may see a few sunny spells, but the north is expected to remain under grey skies and rainclouds. As the new week begins, there’s a glimmer of hope that conditions could slowly settle, but for now, residents and travelers alike are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for the elements.
In light of these adverse weather conditions, Britons planning to travel to Spain are urged to consult the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before embarking on their trips. Rain, storms, and heavy winds could significantly disrupt holiday plans this weekend.
As Spain braces for a significant weather event, it’s clear that the weekend of May 10-11, 2025, will not be the sun-soaked getaway many had anticipated. Instead, travelers should pack their umbrellas and prepare for a stormy experience.
