Weather in Alicante: Torrential Rain Floods Streets and Turns Barranco de las Ovejas into a River

Weather forecasts from the Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) predicted severe consequences for Alicante after issuing an orange alert for locally heavy rainfall by midday. The Alicante City Council quickly took action: it closed parks and the Santa Bárbara Castle, and advised caution during travel.

The forecasts were accurate, and indeed, a significant downpour occurred at noon. It was an intense shower that caused substantial water accumulation in streets of neighbourhoods like San Blas and Playa de San Juan. Curiously, it filled the Barranco de las Ovejas, turning it into a genuine river, something not seen in the city for many years.

The force of the water, however, did not cause major problems in the city or the province. Neither the firefighters of Alicante nor the Provincial Consortium reported incidents or interventions related to the rain episode. It was more the intensity than the quantity that surprised drivers and pedestrians.

In fact, the recorded amounts are normal. Avamet reports 26 litres per square metre at IES Miguel Hernández, the highest in the urban area. The greatest rainfall was recorded in rural areas. In El Rebolledo, 30.4 litres per square metre were recorded, and in Moralet, 28.6 litres per square metre.

The rain episode spread throughout the province. The northern part of Alicante was the hardest hit. The Marina Alta region experienced the most rainfall. Towns like Sagra, El Verger, Murla, and Ràfol d'Almunia exceeded 40 litres per square metre.

Significant rainfall also occurred in the south, causing street closures in Orihuela due to water accumulation.

The rain episode was intense yet brief. The forecast for this weekend in Alicante predicts a return to stable weather. The sun will shine this weekend, with temperatures rising. Next week, we will be discussing the opposite, with temperatures soaring to near-summer levels.