Mediterranean faces a stretch of extreme rainstorms through October
Meteorologists warn that a series of intense rain events will hit the Mediterranean region from late next week and continue throughout October, affecting Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Valencia and extending to southern France, Italy and Greece.
Meteorologists are alerting the public to a prolonged period of extreme rainfall across the Mediterranean beginning late next week and lasting into October. Models predict a chain of disturbances that will target Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Valencia, with impacts also expected in southern France, Italy and Greece. Alfred Rodríguez Picó explains that October will see continuous storm activity with only short breaks between episodes, as Atlantic lows move further south.
Elevated sea-surface temperatures in the Mediterranean, reaching near-30 °C in Catalonia and over 33 °C in the Balearics, provide additional energy for storm development. The interaction of warm, moist air over the sea with colder air from higher latitudes is expected to boost cloud growth, leading to heavy rain, flash floods and strong winds. Historical parallels are drawn to past severe events, and experts note a broader trend toward more frequent and intense Mediterranean weather extremes.
Why it matters
The forecast signals heightened flood and storm risk for millions of residents across the Mediterranean this autumn.
How this story developed
- Sep 16 Search launched for woman swept away by floodwaters in Olivella, Barcelona
- Sep 17 Rescuers later discovered a man's body in the flood‑affected area of Olivella.
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