Yellow weather alert issued for the Murcia Region as storms approach

Aemet warns of heavy showers and a sharp drop in temperatures, with up to 20 litres of rain per square metre possible in an hour on Saturday

The Region of Murcia is facing a wet and much cooler weekend, with Aemet issuing a yellow weather alert for rain and thunderstorms across the entire Region on Saturday October 17. After recent temperatures of around 30°C, the forecast is looking much more like autumn, with daytime highs dropping to around 20°C.

The warning comes into force at midday on Saturday, when showers and storms are expected to move across the Region. Rainfall could reach 20 litres per square metre in just one hour, so some areas could see quite a downpour.

Saturday morning should start off fairly sunny, but clouds are expected to build as the day goes on, bringing the first of the heavier showers. The weather is also expected to remain unsettled on Sunday, although Aemet has yet to confirm whether another weather alert will be needed. 

The change is being driven by a weather system moving across the peninsula, with the possibility of a DANA developing. Aemet has also warned of heavy rain across the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands, with southeastern Spain among the first areas affected.

Temperatures fall as autumn takes hold

It's not just the rain that will make a difference this weekend. Temperatures are also expected to take quite a dip, particularly on Sunday.

In Murcia city, Lorca, Cieza, the Ricote Valley and Cartagena, as well as along the Mar Menor and the rest of the coast, daytime highs will only just get above 20°C. In the Altiplano and the northwestern parts of the region, temperatures are expected to be even lower.

Nights will feel cooler too, with minimum temperatures falling to between 10°C and 15°C, depending on where you are.

There have already been a few early showers. Thursday saw light rain in places including Murcia city, Molina de Segura, Alguazas, Ricote, Ojós, Blanca and Bullas. Most of the rainfall was fairly limited, but the gauge at the Argos reservoir recorded almost 80 litres per square metre from the early hours of the morning.

Friday should bring a brief break in the rain, with some sunshine returning before the clouds gather again on Saturday. With more showers forecast for Sunday, it looks like a good weekend to stay home and binge-watch your favourite show and check the latest forecast before heading out.

Image: Aemet