Weather Warning: Potential for heavy rain early Saturday morning
A change in the weather sweeps across the region as a pocket of cold air drops over the peninsula.
Friday 12th May 2023
Mike Smith
The state meteorological agency AEMET has issued a YELLOW risk warning for the potential of heavy and intense periods of rain through the early hours of Saturday morning in the Marina Alta and La Safor regions.
There is a 40-70% probability of intense and persistent local downpours through the region with a potential accumulation rate of 20mm per hour. This is valid from midnight tonight (Friday) to 09:00 tomorrow morning (Saturday). The potential for showers will continue throughout the morning.
The Climatology Laboratory at the University of Alicante has posted a similar warning of a “immediate change of weather” at the start of the weekend as a powerful pocket of high-altitude cold air drops over the Iberian peninsula, lowering temperatures and increasing instability in the atmosphere. This situation could produce downpours and storms that will affect most areas during Friday and into Saturday early morning.
These warnings don’t mean that the situation is certain to happen in our area but that the forecast models suggest that the probability is high. In some cases, some areas receive intense rain whilst others, just a few kilometres away, experience nothing.
Be prepared.
If you have time, check your drainage system as guttering can often become blocked by leaves and other debris, especially over the recent few months when we have had very little rain.
It’s also worth checking the seals around doors and windows. Silicon can degrade over time, especially in the high temperatures that are often experienced here in Spain.
Don’t forget to bring in cushions and stack chairs and sunbeds safely in a corner. Intense downpours can often be accompanied by strong gusts of wind so it’s best to be prepared rather than spend time searching for cushions, etc. across the local neighbourhood.
If you live in a low-lying area or a zone which is prone to flooding, you should prepare for the worst-case scenario. Keep important documents or sentimental items off the floor and consider storing in a waterproof container.
