Video: @meteocat / X
Weekend Weather Warning Issued
The Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat) has activated multiple alerts for heavy rain and thunderstorms expected to affect Barcelona and surrounding regions from Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. Residents should prepare for downpours that could lead to localised flooding and travel disruption. According to Meteocat, a level 3 out of 6 alert will be in force from 6pm on Saturday 17 October until midnight, covering Barcelona, Barcelonès, Baix Llobregat, and Garraf. This indicates intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms and possible hail, with rainfall intensity reaching 20 mm in 30 minutes. A second alert, classified as level 1 out of 6, is scheduled for Sunday morning and will also impact Barcelona, Barcelonès, Baix Llobregat, and Tarragonès, due to expected rain intensity within 30 minutes. The weather system is linked to a pocket of cold air from central Europe meeting warm, humid maritime winds, increasing atmospheric instability.
Impact on Mobility and Daily Life
Civil Protection has activated the Inuncat plan alert in response to the forecast. The Barcelona City Council has also activated its emergency protocol for rain and storms, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel during peak rainfall periods and to stay clear of known flood-prone areas. The heaviest rainfall is expected on Saturday afternoon and evening, particularly along the coast and pre-coastal regions. While not expected to match the severity of earlier October’s torrential downpours, which caused basement flooding and rail disruptions, accumulations could still lead to standing water and minor urban flooding. Temperatures will drop noticeably, with highs on Sunday reaching only 18°C and lows falling to 14°C. Cloud cover will persist into Monday, with showers likely continuing into early next week.
"The sea water remains warmer than it should be, which can cause the rainfall to be more intense,"
, Xavier Bertral, ARA Residents are advised to monitor updates via the Meteocat warning system and check the Barcelona City Council’s emergency page for local guidance.
What This Means for You
Commuters and residents should anticipate potential delays on roads and public transport, particularly on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Avoid underpasses and low-lying areas where water may accumulate. Keep updated via official channels, and if outdoors, seek shelter promptly when thunderstorms develop. The situation is expected to stabilise by midday Sunday, though scattered showers may return in the afternoon and persist into Monday.
Primary sources: Barcelona City Council. Reported by totbarcelona.cat, meteo.cat, t.co, en.ara.cat, Arnau Urgell i Vidal, naciodigital.cat, 3cat.cat, elnacional.cat, 3CatInfo, noticies.hiha.cat, laciutat.cat, beteve.cat, elperiodico.com.
