Spain is preparing for a major change in weather as DANA Alice, the first named weather system of the 2025–2026 season, approaches. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has officially named the storm, which is expected to bring heavy rain and storms to large parts of the country, especially along the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands.

The weather shift will begin midweek, with a trough entering from the north on Wednesday, October 8. This will pull in humid easterly winds, setting the stage for a significant drop in temperatures and widespread rain. The heaviest downpours are likely from Thursday through the weekend, when Alice is forecast to settle over the southern part of Spain.

Where the Storm Will Hit Hardest

According to AEMET, the eastern regions and the Balearic Islands will face the most persistent rainfall, with some areas expected to receive more than 100 mm in 12 hours. The provinces of Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, and parts of eastern Andalucía are under orange alerts, while Ibiza and Formentera are also preparing for intense rainfall and potential flooding.

Showers are expected to start in central areas such as Castilla-La Mancha and Teruel before spreading eastwards. By Thursday, October 9, conditions will worsen significantly along the Mediterranean coast, including Cataluña, the Valencian Community, and Murcia.

⛈️ A partir del jueves 9 podrían producirse lluvias abundantes en el Mediterráneo.

➡️Situación sujeta todavía a gran incertidumbre, que vendría provocada una combinación de aire frío en las capas altas de la troposfera y vientos húmedos en superficie.

Seguiremos informando. pic.twitter.com/jL1yZ6c5ox

— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) October 5, 2025

Heavy Rain, Storms, and Possible Flooding

The combination of Alice’s stationary position and humid easterly winds could lead to localised flooding, especially in low-lying areas, ramblas (dry riverbeds). AEMET warns that thunderstorms could be very intense at times, urging residents to stay alert and follow official updates through its website or mobile app.

Meteorologists explain that Alice will remain nearly stationary because of a high-pressure system to the north, which will trap the storm over Spain for several days. This setup means persistent rain across the eastern half of the country through the weekend. This won’t be welcome news, as this weekend is a bank holiday weekend with many regions celebrating a three-day weekend.

A New Naming System for DANAs

Alice is the first DANA to receive a name under AEMET’s new European system, developed with the Southwest Europe Group (Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Andorra). Only DANAs expected to have a significant impact, triggering orange or red alerts, will be named. The goal is to help people better understand the risks and prepare for severe weather without unnecessary alarm.

🌀AEMET nombra la primera dana con gran impacto: la dana Alice.

⛈Provocará chubascos muy fuertes y persistentes en zonas del este peninsular y Baleares en los próximos días.

⚠️Extrema las precauciones y consulta los avisos en vigor en nuestra web y en nuestra app. pic.twitter.com/L6iQXacj3Q

— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) October 7, 2025

Staying Safe

AEMET recommends avoiding unnecessary travel in affected areas, keeping clear of riverbeds and flood-prone zones, and staying updated as the situation evolves. While the rain will be welcome in drought-affected regions, authorities remind residents that the first DANA of the season often catches people off guard.

As DANA Alice arrives, Spain is set for a wet and stormy few days, marking the true arrival of autumn weather.

Image: Shutterstock/trendobjects