By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
Spain is on high alert as a new weather system threatens to bring torrential rain, severe storms, and plunging temperatures to eastern and southern regions. Only two weeks after flash floods devastated parts of the country, the Spanish meteorological agency Aemet has placed areas of Valencia, Catalonia, Andalusia, and the Balearic Islands under an orange alert—the second-highest weather warning level. This signifies potential danger to daily activities and warns residents to brace for significant meteorological disturbances. Emergency services and local authorities are implementing safety measures, with school closures, sandbag placements, and halted public activities in vulnerable areas.
This latest storm system, a “Dana” weather phenomenon, is not expected to reach the catastrophic levels of the previous weather event, which took place on October 29. However, heavy rainfall and flash flooding are still concerns, particularly in areas that are still recovering from the recent devastation. The last Dana system was unprecedented in intensity and duration, resulting in 222 confirmed deaths in Valencia and other areas, while 23 people remain unaccounted for. The current forecast suggests that rainfall, while heavy, may not cause as severe or prolonged flooding, but residents are nonetheless advised to prepare for the worst.
Dana weather systems form when a pocket of low-pressure air becomes isolated from the main flow of the jet stream. When this cold, high-altitude air mass encounters warmer air from the Mediterranean, conditions become ripe for intense storms and persistent rainfall. These systems can linger over a region for days, inundating vulnerable areas with rain and hail. In parts of Andalusia, where heavy rainfall has already begun, road closures have become necessary, and emergency services have already conducted rescues. Almería province experienced flash floods on Monday night, with some vehicles swept away by the floodwaters in the town of Vícar.
The forecast warns that certain regions, especially around Málaga and Granada, could see as much as 180mm of rain over the coming week, equivalent to two months’ worth of precipitation. Authorities have advised people in high-risk areas to avoid rivers, ravines, and waterways, even if they appear dry, as these areas can quickly transform into raging flood zones. Spain’s national traffic office (DGT) has also encouraged residents to monitor road conditions closely, as localized flooding may render many routes impassable.
Additionally, Spain’s King Felipe VI is set to visit Valencia, where he will assess ongoing recovery efforts and meet with military personnel working on search operations and cleanup in flood-affected towns. During a previous visit, both the king and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faced criticism from residents frustrated by what they perceived as insufficient state support following the floods. Regional president Carlos Mazón, whose administration has been scrutinized for its response to the disaster, is also under pressure to coordinate an effective recovery.
As the Dana system develops, snow is forecasted to fall in the Cantabrian mountains, Sierra Morena, and other mountain ranges, accompanied by strong winds and dropping temperatures. While Dana weather events are common in the Mediterranean, typically occurring 10 to 20 times per year, this second system in just weeks has raised concerns about the impact of climate volatility in the region. With more severe rainfall and potential hazards expected, Spain’s residents and authorities are gearing up for the next challenge in an already difficult season.
