Ibiza and Formentera are facing a period of potentially severe weather on Thursday, September 17, with AEMET issuing orange-level warnings for intense rainfall and thunderstorms across the islands.

The warning comes as a powerful bout of unsettled weather affects eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands, following severe storms that caused flooding and disruption across parts of Catalonia and the Valencian Community.

AEMET has warned that the heaviest rainfall could produce more than 50 litres per square metre in less than an hour in parts of Ibiza, with the possibility of thunderstorms, large hail and very strong wind gusts.

Orange Warning for Ibiza and Formentera

The orange alert represents a significant weather risk and is above the lowest yellow warning level.

The main concern for Ibiza and Formentera is the intensity of the rainfall rather than simply the total amount expected over the day.

Very heavy rain falling in a short period can overwhelm drainage systems and cause rapid flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, roads and locations close to streams and torrents.

AEMET has specifically warned of the possibility of rainfall exceeding 50 litres per square metre in less than one hour in parts of Ibiza.

Storms Could Bring Hail and Strong Winds

The rainfall is expected to occur alongside thunderstorms.

AEMET has warned that the strongest storms could also produce large hail and very strong wind gusts.

The combination increases the risk of difficult driving conditions, localised flooding and disruption to outdoor activities.

Visitors and residents are being advised to follow the latest official weather and emergency information rather than relying on earlier forecasts, as the most intense rainfall can be highly localised.

Severe Weather Has Already Hit Mainland Spain

The warnings in the Balearics follow a particularly disruptive period of weather on the Spanish mainland.

Eastern parts of Spain have experienced torrential rainfall, flooding and major disruption, including in the Valencian Community and Catalonia.

AEMET described exceptionally large rainfall accumulations during the latest episode, while emergency services responded to hundreds of weather-related incidents in affected areas.

Fatal Incident in Catalonia

The severe weather has already been linked to a fatal incident in Olivella, in Barcelona province.

A man died after his vehicle was swept away by floodwater during the storms. Emergency teams subsequently located his body around 500 metres from where the vehicle had been carried away.

The incident occurred as authorities dealt with intense rainfall and flooding across parts of Catalonia.

Benidorm and Other Tourist Areas Also Affected

The unstable weather is not confined to the Balearic Islands.

Areas of the southeastern Spanish mainland, including parts of Alicante, are also under weather warnings.

Benidorm has been among the areas highlighted in international reporting because of its popularity with visitors, while the Balearic warnings cover destinations including Ibiza and Mallorca.

However, the warnings apply to specific geographical areas and time periods rather than meaning that every tourist resort across Spain is facing the same conditions.

Ibiza Had an Exceptionally Dry Summer

The arrival of heavy rain follows an exceptionally hot and dry summer on Ibiza.

The island recorded its warmest summer since records began, with an average temperature close to 27°C.

Rainfall was approximately 82% below normal in Ibiza during the summer, according to AEMET data reported by local meteorological sources.

The sudden transition from prolonged dry conditions to intense rainfall can increase the risk of runoff and localised flooding when storms are particularly concentrated.

The Weather Change Is Expected to Be Noticeable

The current episode follows a significant change in the weather pattern after the unusually hot conditions of recent months.

AEMET had already warned that a trough of cold air at altitude and a surface front would produce a sharp increase in instability across eastern Spain and the Balearics.

Temperatures have also fallen significantly in many parts of Spain as the system moved across the country.

Visitors Should Take Extra Care

People in Ibiza and Formentera should take particular care during periods of the heaviest rainfall.

Drivers should avoid attempting to cross flooded roads or areas where water is flowing rapidly. Pedestrians should also stay away from torrents, drainage channels and areas at risk of sudden flooding.

Outdoor activities, boat trips and other plans can also be affected by thunderstorms and strong winds.

The exact location and intensity of the heaviest storms can change quickly, making the latest AEMET and emergency-service updates the most useful source of information.

Conditions Could Improve From Friday

The current period of instability is expected to gradually ease from Friday, although some areas may continue to experience showers and storms.

Forecasts indicate a progressive return towards more stable conditions over the weekend, accompanied by rising temperatures.

For Thursday, however, the priority remains the risk posed by intense rainfall, thunderstorms, possible hail and strong winds across Ibiza and other parts of the Balearic Islands.

A Significant Weather Alert for Ibiza

The latest warning marks a sharp contrast with the exceptionally hot and dry summer experienced across Ibiza.

With an orange alert in place and AEMET warning of potentially very intense rainfall in short periods, residents and visitors should remain alert to changing conditions throughout Thursday.

The most important risk is not simply that it will rain, but that some storms could deliver very large amounts of water in a short time, creating sudden flooding and dangerous conditions in affected areas.