UK Tourists Warned of Rain and Thunderstorms in Spain
Holidaymakers heading to Spain have been warned of more unsettled weather in May, with the Spanish weather agency Aemet predicting continued low temperatures and precipitation across most parts of the country. According to Aemet, the first days of May have already brought lower-than-usual temperatures and rainfall, with a spokesperson for the agency, Rubén del Campo, stating that "showers will continue in the east, especially in inland areas of the regions of Valencia, Murcia, Almeria and Castilla-La Mancha".
The latest forecast from Aemet suggests that today, Thursday May 8, rain and thunderstorms are expected to spread to almost all parts of Spain, with locally heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and potential hail in the interior of the eastern third, the plateaus, and Galicia. Valencia, in particular, will be under an orange alert for storms, indicating the potential for severe weather. The alert is a response to forecasts predicting intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall that could lead to dangerous conditions.
The weather instability is attributed to a cold air mass moving into the region, transitioning into a DANA (isolated high-level depression), which is expected to destabilize the atmosphere further. This type of weather pattern can bring significant rainfall and thunderstorms to the affected areas. Rubén del Campo and Aemet are urging tourists to be aware of the potential for severe weather and to take necessary precautions.
In recent weeks, Spain has experienced significant rainfall and flooding, with the Canary island of Lanzarote being particularly affected. Last month, torrential rain and floods hit parts of the island, with 6cm (2.4 inches) of rain pouring down in just two hours. The government of Lanzarote declared a state of emergency overnight on April 13, and many regions were hit with cold, wet conditions over the Easter weekend.
The UK’s Foreign Office has issued travel advice for Brits heading to Spain, urging them to research their destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. The advice, which can be found on the gov.uk website, emphasizes the importance of checking that insurance covers the itinerary, planned activities, and expenses in an emergency. With the unpredictable weather forecast for Spain, it is essential for tourists to be prepared and to stay informed about the latest weather conditions.
According to Yahoo News UK, the Foreign Office is encouraging people to check two essential things before travelling to Spain: that their insurance policy covers them for any planned activities and that they have a valid passport. The agency is also advising tourists to stay up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts and to follow local advice in the event of severe weather.
The unsettled weather in Spain is expected to continue in the coming days, with instability predicted to persist, at least until the weekend. While there is still uncertainty regarding the forecast for Friday and the weekend, Aemet and local news site SurinEnglish are warning tourists to be prepared for more rain and thunderstorms. As the situation develops, Yahoo News UK will provide updates on the weather situation in Spain.
The impact of the severe weather on tourism in Spain remains to be seen, but it is essential for holidaymakers to be aware of the potential risks and to take necessary precautions. As Rubén del Campo and Aemet continue to monitor the situation, tourists are advised to stay informed and to follow local advice to ensure their safety.
In related news, a popular tourist beach in Tenerife was recently closed due to contamination, and Spain has been hit by more blackouts, with thousands left without power again. These incidents highlight the importance of tourists being prepared and aware of the potential risks associated with travelling to Spain.
For the latest updates on the weather situation in Spain, tourists are advised to check the Aemet website and to follow local news and weather reports. Yahoo News UK will continue to provide updates on the situation as more information becomes available.
