DANA Adam: torrential rain, severe storms and flash flooding in Spain
A special weather advisory has been issued: from Saturday to Monday, Spain's Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands face very heavy rainfall.
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Spain is preparing for a major weather change this weekend. After days of unusually warm and settled conditions, DANA Adam is expected to bring heavy and persistent rainfall, powerful thunderstorms and a significant risk of flooding to parts of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. The Spanish weather agency AEMET has issued a special weather advisory, with Sunday and Monday expected to be the most critical days.
This time, its name is Adam.
And once again, the first named high-impact weather system of the season is not a conventional Atlantic windstorm, but a DANA — a meteorological phenomenon responsible for some of Spain's most significant autumn rainfall events.
Following several days of exceptionally warm weather, with temperatures exceeding 30 °C in many parts of the country, Spain is now facing a very different atmospheric situation.
According to AEMET's special advisory issued on Friday, 16 October, the Mediterranean coast of mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands face the greatest risk of very heavy and persistent rainfall from Saturday, 17 October, until at least Monday, 19 October.
The main concern is the possibility of extremely large rainfall amounts within a relatively short period, potentially triggering flash floods and dangerous conditions in vulnerable areas.
A DANA forms when an area of relatively cold air high in the atmosphere becomes separated from the main atmospheric circulation.
When this colder air interacts with warm, moisture-rich air near the surface, atmospheric instability increases considerably.
And that is precisely the situation meteorologists are monitoring this weekend.
DANA Adam is expected to become isolated over northern parts of the Iberian Peninsula, while an area of high pressure near the British Isles encourages moist easterly and northeasterly winds across the Mediterranean.
These winds can transport substantial amounts of moisture towards Spain's eastern coastline and the Balearic Islands.
The Mediterranean Sea remains relatively warm for the time of year, providing additional heat and moisture to the atmosphere.
As humid air rises, cools and condenses, powerful thunderstorms can develop.
If these rain-producing systems repeatedly move across the same area, enormous amounts of precipitation may accumulate.
This is what makes a DANA particularly challenging: one location may experience torrential rainfall while another, only a short distance away, receives considerably less.
AEMET anticipates widespread afternoon showers and thunderstorms across the southern half of mainland Spain, with locally strong storms possible in southeastern regions.
Eastern Catalonia is another area requiring particular attention.
Here, thunderstorms could become very strong and persistent, especially during the afternoon and evening.
According to AEMET, rainfall amounts could exceed 40 mm in just one hour and 80 mm within 12 hours in some coastal locations.
To put this into perspective, 40 mm of rainfall represents 40 litres of water falling on every square metre.
Such intense precipitation can overwhelm drainage systems and cause rapid flooding in streets, underpasses and low-lying areas.
However, the distribution of thunderstorms is likely to be highly irregular, meaning not every location will experience the same conditions.
Widespread thunderstorms may develop across southeastern Spain, with some areas experiencing very heavy, persistent or even torrential rainfall.
According to AEMET, the regions of greatest concern currently include:
In parts of eastern Catalonia, Alicante and Murcia, amounts of approximately 80 mm within 12 hours are also possible.
These are potentially dangerous quantities of rainfall, especially in densely populated coastal regions and areas with steep terrain.
The risk is particularly significant where heavy rain flows rapidly into normally dry riverbeds, known locally as ramblas or barrancos.
For residents and holidaymakers along the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida and in the Balearic Islands, Sunday is therefore a day to monitor the weather particularly carefully.
AEMET currently anticipates that Monday could bring further heavy and persistent rainfall, particularly around Cabo de la Nao, Ibiza and Formentera.
The most intense precipitation may also extend towards southern and eastern Catalonia, while other parts of the Balearic Islands could become increasingly affected from the morning onwards.
Across the entire weather episode, local rainfall accumulations of 150 to 300 mm are possible, with even higher isolated totals not ruled out.
For perspective, 300 mm of rainfall corresponds to 300 litres of water per square metre.
Such amounts can create serious flooding problems, especially if concentrated within a limited geographical area.
It is important to emphasise that these figures represent potential local accumulations over the entire episode. They do not mean that every town or holiday destination in the affected regions will receive such quantities.
However, its consequences could extend well beyond the thunderstorms themselves.
Flash flooding may affect urban areas, particularly where water accumulates in streets, tunnels, underground car parks and other low-lying locations.
Normally dry riverbeds can become dangerous torrents within minutes, sometimes even when the heaviest rainfall occurs several kilometres away.
Areas where the ground is already saturated from previous rainfall may be especially vulnerable.
AEMET also warns of periods of strong winds and rough seas along parts of Spain's Mediterranean coastline.
Catalonia and the Balearic Islands could experience a combination of heavy rain, strong winds and deteriorating maritime conditions.
Beach visitors, boat owners and anyone planning coastal activities should follow the latest official weather warnings.
Never attempt to cross a flooded road or watercourse, whether on foot or by vehicle.
Although the general risk of heavy precipitation is becoming clearer, considerable uncertainty remains regarding the exact position and movement of DANA Adam.
Several atmospheric factors will determine the outcome, including the position of the upper-level low, the strength and direction of surface winds, and the development of individual thunderstorms.
Even relatively small changes in these factors can shift the heaviest rainfall from one coastal area to another.
A location currently forecast to receive substantial rainfall may ultimately experience much less, while another nearby area could receive significantly more.
This is why numerical weather forecasts should always be interpreted as predictions rather than guarantees.
A forecast showing 100 mm of rainfall does not mean that this amount has already fallen — or that it will definitely occur.
During a DANA, following the latest model updates and actual weather observations becomes particularly important.
Our platform brings together weather forecasts, official AEMET warnings, precipitation radar, short-term NowCast projections, live weather stations and webcams.
These services complement each other, helping residents and holidaymakers understand both what is forecast and what is actually happening.
This is especially useful during a DANA, when the forecast can change considerably from one update to the next.
On meteo365.es, users can view the official weather warnings issued by AEMET directly on our weather map, without having to leave the platform.
The warning areas are displayed geographically, making it easy to identify which regions are affected.
The familiar warning levels help users understand the severity of the expected conditions:
This is particularly valuable for holidaymakers who may not be familiar with Spain's provinces or local weather warning areas.
An important distinction: AEMET's official warnings identify areas where hazardous weather is expected, while our numerical forecast maps show how weather models predict conditions may develop.
Both provide valuable information, but they serve different purposes.
Unlike numerical forecasts, which predict future weather conditions, radar shows precipitation detected in near real time.
Our radar distinguishes between precipitation types, including rain, snow, sleet and hail.
The integrated NowCast function provides short-term projections of precipitation movement based on recent observations.
This allows users to follow developing precipitation areas and see where they may move next.
During DANA Adam, this distinction is particularly important.
Forecast models help you prepare for what may happen. RADAR + NowCast helps you follow what is happening and how precipitation may move in the immediate future.
However, thunderstorms can develop or intensify rapidly, so radar and NowCast should always be used alongside official weather warnings.
Live transmissions naturally depend on local electricity and communication networks remaining operational.
Before travelling, visiting beaches or planning outdoor activities, check the latest forecasts and official AEMET warnings.
Avoid parking in dry riverbeds or flood-prone areas, and never enter flooded roads, tunnels or underpasses.
During thunderstorms, seek suitable shelter and keep away from exposed coastal areas and watercourses.
Not every holiday destination will necessarily experience dangerous conditions. Nevertheless, the possibility of locally extreme rainfall makes careful preparation particularly important.
From Saturday, 17 October, until at least Monday, 19 October, the Mediterranean coastline and the Balearic Islands face an increased risk of severe thunderstorms, very heavy rainfall and local flooding.
Sunday and Monday are currently expected to be the most challenging days.
However, the precise location and intensity of the heaviest rainfall remain uncertain.
That uncertainty is not a reason to ignore the forecast. It is a reason to follow it carefully as new information becomes available.
At meteo365.es, we will continue following DANA Adam through our regularly updated numerical forecasts, official AEMET weather warnings, RADAR + NowCast, live weather observations and webcams.
Stay informed, stay prepared and stay safe.Weather you can understand. Information you can trust.
Source: AEMET Special Weather Advisory, 16 October 2026. Forecast details and official warning levels may change as DANA Adam develops. Always follow instructions issued by local authorities and emergency services.
DANA Adam: Spain's first named high-impact weather system of the 2026/2027 season
Almost exactly one year after DANA Alice marked the beginning of Spain's severe-weather naming season on 7 October 2025, another potentially dangerous weather system is taking centre stage.This time, its name is Adam.
And once again, the first named high-impact weather system of the season is not a conventional Atlantic windstorm, but a DANA — a meteorological phenomenon responsible for some of Spain's most significant autumn rainfall events.
Following several days of exceptionally warm weather, with temperatures exceeding 30 °C in many parts of the country, Spain is now facing a very different atmospheric situation.
According to AEMET's special advisory issued on Friday, 16 October, the Mediterranean coast of mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands face the greatest risk of very heavy and persistent rainfall from Saturday, 17 October, until at least Monday, 19 October.
The main concern is the possibility of extremely large rainfall amounts within a relatively short period, potentially triggering flash floods and dangerous conditions in vulnerable areas.
What exactly is DANA Adam, and why could it become dangerous?
DANA stands for Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos, meaning an isolated depression at upper atmospheric levels. In English, it is commonly described as a cut-off low or Cold Drop.A DANA forms when an area of relatively cold air high in the atmosphere becomes separated from the main atmospheric circulation.
When this colder air interacts with warm, moisture-rich air near the surface, atmospheric instability increases considerably.
And that is precisely the situation meteorologists are monitoring this weekend.
DANA Adam is expected to become isolated over northern parts of the Iberian Peninsula, while an area of high pressure near the British Isles encourages moist easterly and northeasterly winds across the Mediterranean.
These winds can transport substantial amounts of moisture towards Spain's eastern coastline and the Balearic Islands.
The Mediterranean Sea remains relatively warm for the time of year, providing additional heat and moisture to the atmosphere.
As humid air rises, cools and condenses, powerful thunderstorms can develop.
If these rain-producing systems repeatedly move across the same area, enormous amounts of precipitation may accumulate.
This is what makes a DANA particularly challenging: one location may experience torrential rainfall while another, only a short distance away, receives considerably less.
Saturday, 17 October: the first intense thunderstorms
The weather is expected to become increasingly unstable on Saturday.AEMET anticipates widespread afternoon showers and thunderstorms across the southern half of mainland Spain, with locally strong storms possible in southeastern regions.
Eastern Catalonia is another area requiring particular attention.
Here, thunderstorms could become very strong and persistent, especially during the afternoon and evening.
According to AEMET, rainfall amounts could exceed 40 mm in just one hour and 80 mm within 12 hours in some coastal locations.
To put this into perspective, 40 mm of rainfall represents 40 litres of water falling on every square metre.
Such intense precipitation can overwhelm drainage systems and cause rapid flooding in streets, underpasses and low-lying areas.
However, the distribution of thunderstorms is likely to be highly irregular, meaning not every location will experience the same conditions.
Sunday, 18 October: the risk of torrential rainfall increases
Sunday is currently expected to be one of the most critical days of the entire weather episode.Widespread thunderstorms may develop across southeastern Spain, with some areas experiencing very heavy, persistent or even torrential rainfall.
According to AEMET, the regions of greatest concern currently include:
- Northern Alicante province, particularly Cabo de la Nao and the surrounding coastal areas.
- Ibiza and Formentera, collectively known as the Pityusic Islands.
- Eastern Catalonia, where persistent thunderstorms could develop.
- Coastal and nearby inland areas of Alicante and Murcia.
In parts of eastern Catalonia, Alicante and Murcia, amounts of approximately 80 mm within 12 hours are also possible.
These are potentially dangerous quantities of rainfall, especially in densely populated coastal regions and areas with steep terrain.
The risk is particularly significant where heavy rain flows rapidly into normally dry riverbeds, known locally as ramblas or barrancos.
For residents and holidaymakers along the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida and in the Balearic Islands, Sunday is therefore a day to monitor the weather particularly carefully.
Monday, 19 October: heavy rainfall may continue
The severe-weather risk is not expected to end on Sunday evening.AEMET currently anticipates that Monday could bring further heavy and persistent rainfall, particularly around Cabo de la Nao, Ibiza and Formentera.
The most intense precipitation may also extend towards southern and eastern Catalonia, while other parts of the Balearic Islands could become increasingly affected from the morning onwards.
Across the entire weather episode, local rainfall accumulations of 150 to 300 mm are possible, with even higher isolated totals not ruled out.
For perspective, 300 mm of rainfall corresponds to 300 litres of water per square metre.
Such amounts can create serious flooding problems, especially if concentrated within a limited geographical area.
It is important to emphasise that these figures represent potential local accumulations over the entire episode. They do not mean that every town or holiday destination in the affected regions will receive such quantities.
Flash floods, rising watercourses and dangerous coastal conditions
The greatest danger associated with DANA Adam is expected to come from intense and persistent rainfall.However, its consequences could extend well beyond the thunderstorms themselves.
Flash flooding may affect urban areas, particularly where water accumulates in streets, tunnels, underground car parks and other low-lying locations.
Normally dry riverbeds can become dangerous torrents within minutes, sometimes even when the heaviest rainfall occurs several kilometres away.
Areas where the ground is already saturated from previous rainfall may be especially vulnerable.
AEMET also warns of periods of strong winds and rough seas along parts of Spain's Mediterranean coastline.
Catalonia and the Balearic Islands could experience a combination of heavy rain, strong winds and deteriorating maritime conditions.
Beach visitors, boat owners and anyone planning coastal activities should follow the latest official weather warnings.
Never attempt to cross a flooded road or watercourse, whether on foot or by vehicle.
Why the forecast could still change significantly
One of the greatest challenges with DANA events is predicting precisely where the most intense rainfall will occur.Although the general risk of heavy precipitation is becoming clearer, considerable uncertainty remains regarding the exact position and movement of DANA Adam.
Several atmospheric factors will determine the outcome, including the position of the upper-level low, the strength and direction of surface winds, and the development of individual thunderstorms.
Even relatively small changes in these factors can shift the heaviest rainfall from one coastal area to another.
A location currently forecast to receive substantial rainfall may ultimately experience much less, while another nearby area could receive significantly more.
This is why numerical weather forecasts should always be interpreted as predictions rather than guarantees.
A forecast showing 100 mm of rainfall does not mean that this amount has already fallen — or that it will definitely occur.
During a DANA, following the latest model updates and actual weather observations becomes particularly important.
Follow DANA Adam live with meteo365.es
At meteo365.es, we are closely monitoring DANA Adam and its potential impact across Spain.Our platform brings together weather forecasts, official AEMET warnings, precipitation radar, short-term NowCast projections, live weather stations and webcams.
These services complement each other, helping residents and holidaymakers understand both what is forecast and what is actually happening.
Weather forecasts updated four times daily
Our numerical weather forecasts are updated four times every day.By comparing successive model runs, it is possible to follow changes in the expected timing, location and intensity of rainfall.This is especially useful during a DANA, when the forecast can change considerably from one update to the next.
Official AEMET weather warnings — directly on meteo365.es
An especially important feature during severe-weather situations is our interactive weather warning map.On meteo365.es, users can view the official weather warnings issued by AEMET directly on our weather map, without having to leave the platform.
The warning areas are displayed geographically, making it easy to identify which regions are affected.
The familiar warning levels help users understand the severity of the expected conditions:
- Yellow: be aware of potentially hazardous weather.
- Orange: significant danger from severe weather.
- Red: extreme danger from very severe weather.
This is particularly valuable for holidaymakers who may not be familiar with Spain's provinces or local weather warning areas.
An important distinction: AEMET's official warnings identify areas where hazardous weather is expected, while our numerical forecast maps show how weather models predict conditions may develop.
Both provide valuable information, but they serve different purposes.
RADAR and NowCast: follow actual precipitation in near real time
When thunderstorms begin developing, our RADAR + NowCast becomes one of the most useful tools on meteo365.es.Unlike numerical forecasts, which predict future weather conditions, radar shows precipitation detected in near real time.
Our radar distinguishes between precipitation types, including rain, snow, sleet and hail.
The integrated NowCast function provides short-term projections of precipitation movement based on recent observations.
This allows users to follow developing precipitation areas and see where they may move next.
During DANA Adam, this distinction is particularly important.
Forecast models help you prepare for what may happen. RADAR + NowCast helps you follow what is happening and how precipitation may move in the immediate future.
However, thunderstorms can develop or intensify rapidly, so radar and NowCast should always be used alongside official weather warnings.
Live weather stations and webcams
Our weather stations provide actual measured conditions, while our live webcams offer a direct visual impression of the weather at selected locations.This can be especially helpful for people staying in the region and for families following the situation from abroad.Live transmissions naturally depend on local electricity and communication networks remaining operational.
What should residents and holidaymakers do?
Anyone staying along Spain's Mediterranean coastline or in the Balearic Islands this weekend should pay close attention to the developing weather situation.Before travelling, visiting beaches or planning outdoor activities, check the latest forecasts and official AEMET warnings.
Avoid parking in dry riverbeds or flood-prone areas, and never enter flooded roads, tunnels or underpasses.
During thunderstorms, seek suitable shelter and keep away from exposed coastal areas and watercourses.
Not every holiday destination will necessarily experience dangerous conditions. Nevertheless, the possibility of locally extreme rainfall makes careful preparation particularly important.
Outlook: a serious weather situation that requires close monitoring
DANA Adam represents a significant change from the unusually warm and settled weather Spain has experienced during recent days.From Saturday, 17 October, until at least Monday, 19 October, the Mediterranean coastline and the Balearic Islands face an increased risk of severe thunderstorms, very heavy rainfall and local flooding.
Sunday and Monday are currently expected to be the most challenging days.
However, the precise location and intensity of the heaviest rainfall remain uncertain.
That uncertainty is not a reason to ignore the forecast. It is a reason to follow it carefully as new information becomes available.
At meteo365.es, we will continue following DANA Adam through our regularly updated numerical forecasts, official AEMET weather warnings, RADAR + NowCast, live weather observations and webcams.
Stay informed, stay prepared and stay safe.Weather you can understand. Information you can trust.
Source: AEMET Special Weather Advisory, 16 October 2026. Forecast details and official warning levels may change as DANA Adam develops. Always follow instructions issued by local authorities and emergency services.
