Spain weather forecast September 17-20: Heavy rain and thunderstorms set to hit the east
More than 100mm of rain could fall in just a few hours as storms sweep across eastern Spain
Weather alerts on Thursday September 17
A spell of heavy rain and thunderstorms is set to sweep across eastern Spain over the next few days, with some areas facing the risk of intense rainfall, flooding and flash floods.
The unsettled weather is being caused by the arrival of a trough and a weather front which will become more active as it reaches the Mediterranean. Some areas could receive more than 100mm of rain in just a few hours, with Catalonia, southern Aragon, the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands among the areas most at risk.
Thursday September 17 looks like the most unsettled day, with heavy showers and thunderstorms developing across eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands.
Weather outlook on Thursday afternoon, September 17
The Balearics could be particularly badly affected during the early hours and morning, especially northern Mallorca. Ibiza, Formentera and Mallorca could see more than 40-50mm of rain in an hour, while Menorca could receive more than 30mm.
Further west, intense storms could develop along the Catalan coast and across southeastern areas including Cuenca, Albacete, the Valencian Community, Murcia and eastern Andalucia.
Orange weather warnings are in place for rainfall of more than 30-50mm in an hour in parts of Albacete, Murcia, the Valencia and Alicante coasts and the eastern coast of Almería.
The combination of very heavy rain and thunderstorms means some areas could see sudden flooding, particularly where rainfall is concentrated over a short period.
Weather outlook on Friday September 18
Friday September 18 will remain unsettled, particularly in the northeast and the Balearic Islands, although the weather system will gradually move away.
The early hours could still be particularly difficult in the Balearics, with very heavy rain and thunderstorms expected, especially around Ibiza, Formentera and southern Mallorca.
There could also be intense storms during the morning along the coast of Catalonia and in parts of Valencia and Alicante, although these are expected to ease during the afternoon.
Showers will continue in parts of Catalonia, Aragon, the Valencian Community, Castile-La Mancha, Murcia and eastern Andalucia, with some potentially heavy.
Weather outlook on Saturday September 19
By Saturday September 19, conditions should become much more settled as high pressure takes control. Most of the country will see clear or sunny skies, although cloud will build over higher ground during the afternoon in parts of southern Spain.
There is still a chance of showers in southeastern areas, while light rain could affect the Strait of Gibraltar, Ceuta and Melilla.
Morning mist and fog are possible in parts of the north, southeast and Catalonia. Temperatures will fall in the southeast and around the Strait of Gibraltar but rise elsewhere, particularly in Galicia and along the Cantabrian coast.
Weather outlook on Sunday September 20
Sunday September 20 looks set to be the most settled day of the weekend, with high pressure bringing generally stable conditions across Spain.
Clear skies or periods of high cloud will dominate, although some low cloud is possible around the Cantabrian coast, the Alboran Sea, Ceuta and Melilla. The Canary Islands will see some low cloud on northern slopes while southern areas remain mostly clear.
Temperatures are expected to rise across most of Spain, with the possibility of highs reaching 35°C in the Guadalquivir Valley. Temperatures in the Balearic Islands could be slightly cooler overnight, while the Canary Islands should remain broadly unchanged.
For more weather news go to our Weather & Climate page or follow the Spain Weather Watch Facebook group for regular updates
Images: Aemet
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