Alicante faces its worst rain of the year this weekend as DANA moves in

Sunday and Monday could bring torrential and persistent downpours to the Alicante coast, with the Cabo de la Nao area among the most at risk

The unsettled weekend forecast for Alicante, which warned of possible torrential rain on Sunday, is now looking more serious. The Generalitat’s Emergency Coordination Centre confirmed on Thursday that Sunday October 18 and Monday October 19 are expected to be the most significantly affected days in the Valencian Community, with the northern Alicante coast, particularly around Cabo de la Nao, among the areas most likely to record the highest rainfall totals.

The episode is being driven by a DANA (an isolated depression at high levels), which will arrive from Saturday October 17 alongside humid winds from the Mediterranean. AEMET’s information note indicates that the heaviest accumulations will fall across Catalonia, the Valencian Community, Murcia, southern Lugo and the Balearic Islands.

Saturday itself brings very cloudy skies with showers and thunderstorms developing through the afternoon, some of which could be locally heavy. Yellow weather warnings are in place for rainfall and storms across the province. Temperatures will drop inland, though the coast stays relatively mild, and winds are light and easterly through the day.

Sunday is the day to watch most closely. Rain moves from showers to persistent, potentially very heavy downpours along the coast, particularly the central stretch, and torrential rainfall cannot be ruled out. Temperatures fall noticeably, with very strong gusts possible along the northern and southern coasts. Yellow warnings expand to include coastal wind alerts for both ends of the province.

Monday continues in a similar vein, with the southern coast and pre-coastal areas most exposed to heavy and persistent showers and thunderstorms in the morning. Northeast winds along the coast could bring very strong gusts in the southern half during the first half of the day before easing.

The Catalan emergency authorities have already written to all municipalities and emergency agencies in their region urging people to check forecasts before travelling, avoid flood-prone areas and not park vehicles anywhere susceptible to flooding. It is sensible advice for Alicante residents too this weekend.

>>> Follow our Alicante Weather Watch Facebook group for more weather news or see our Weather & Climate page <<<   

Images: AEMET