The Costa Blanca faces a rough start to the week as Storm Harry moves into the western Mediterranean. The storm is bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and rough seas to much of Alicante province.
Spain’s state weather service, AEMET, has issued yellow alerts for the northern and southern coasts of Alicante. The warnings begin today, Monday 19 January, and remain in place until Tuesday. They cover heavy rainfall and strong northerly winds. Conditions are expected to worsen before they improve.
Heavy rain for the north of the province
The northern coast is likely to see the worst of the rain. This includes much of the Marina Alta. Forecasts point to up to 60 mm of rain in just 12 hours. Downpours may be intense and persistent throughout the day.
From 10:00 on Tuesday, another yellow rain alert comes into force. Rainfall could again reach 60 litres per square metre within 12 hours. Localised flooding is possible in vulnerable areas.
Rough seas along the coast
Conditions at sea are becoming particularly severe. Authorities have issued an orange alert for maritime conditions along the northern coast of Alicante. From 18:00 on Monday, winds of 50 to 60 km/h are expected. Waves could reach heights of up to 3 metres.
By Tuesday, the situation is forecast to deteriorate further. Winds may strengthen to between 55 and 70 km/h. Wave heights could increase to around 4 metres. Strong northerly winds and a north-easterly swell will drive the rough seas.
Further south, the weather will remain unsettled. Inland areas could see gusts of up to 70 km/h. Along the coast, sustained winds of around 60 km/h are possible. Waves may again approach 3 metres.
Unusual winter scenes
The University of Alicante’s Climatology Laboratory has also reported scattered and irregular showers across the province. Some areas have experienced hail. In more unusual scenes, granular snow has appeared on higher ground. This soft form of hail has been observed around El Cid and Puig Campana.
Experts link this phenomenon to a pocket of cold air sitting above the region. The trapped cold air is creating unstable conditions that feel more like mid-winter than a typical Costa Blanca January.
Why is this happening?
Meteorologists point to a cut-off low-pressure system moving towards the Mediterranean. At the same time, Storm Harry is developing to the north of Algeria. Together, these systems are creating significant instability across the western Mediterranean. Alicante lies directly in the path of this unsettled weather.
Some good news
There is some relief in sight. From Wednesday 21 January, conditions should begin to improve. Rainfall is expected to ease, and sea conditions along the Costa Blanca should gradually calm as the day progresses.
