UK Tourists Warned of Rain and Thunderstorms in Spain
Holidaymakers heading to Spain have been warned of more unsettled weather in May, with forecasts predicting rain and thunderstorms across the country. The warning comes from Spanish weather agency Aemet, which has reported that the first days of May have already brought precipitation and temperatures lower than usual.
According to Aemet spokesperson Rubén del Campo, "showers will continue in the east, especially in inland areas of the regions of Valencia, Murcia, Almeria and Castilla-La Mancha". Today, Thursday May 8, rain and thunderstorms are forecast to spread to almost all parts of Spain, with Aemet warning of "locally heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms", as well as potential "hail in the interior of the eastern third, the plateaus and Galicia."
The Liverpool Echo reports that 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.
The Foreign Office shares travel advice to gov.uk and has a page dedicated to Brits travelling to Spain. One piece of advice offered to those heading to any country is "If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency." The travel agency encourages people to check two things before travelling to Spain: that their destination can provide the healthcare they may need, and that they have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.
This latest weather warning comes after torrential rain and floods hit parts of Spain last month. Heavy flooding was particularly bad on the Canary island of Lanzarote as the Easter weekend saw many regions hit with cold, wet conditions. Lanzarote’s government declared a state of emergency overnight on April 13, after 6cm (2.4 inches) of rain poured down on the popular holiday destination in just two hours. The torrential rain came as Storm Oliver hit, which swept over the Canaries, mainland Spain and Portugal, many weather alerts were issued.
The unsettled weather in Spain has been attributed to a larger pattern of unpredictable weather in the region. According to local news site SurinEnglish: "Although there is still uncertainty regarding the forecast for Friday and the weekend, instability is expected to continue." The Liverpool Echo understands that tourists should be prepared for changing weather conditions and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
The Spanish weather agency Aemet has been closely monitoring the situation and providing updates on the weather forecast. Their spokesperson Rubén del Campo has urged tourists to stay informed about the latest weather conditions and to plan accordingly. The Liverpool Echo advises tourists to check the latest weather forecast and travel advice before heading to Spain.
In related news, the UK’s Foreign Office has advised tourists to research their destinations and get appropriate travel insurance before travelling to Spain. The office also encourages people to check the healthcare facilities available at their destination and to ensure they have adequate travel insurance in case of an emergency.
Source: Liverpool Echo
