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The heavy downpour that affected parts of Alicante province on Wednesday May 14, bringing more than 40 litres per square metre in just one hour, will be a sharp contrast to the summery conditions expected over the weekend.

 

From Thursday evening (May 15) onward, rain will give way to increasingly stable weather, with maximum temperatures more typical of June. According to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), the mercury could reach 28ºC during the weekend and may rise to 30ºC on Monday May 19.

 

Jorge Olcina, director of the UA Climatology Laboratory, explained that after 24 hours of instability, "starting Thursday and especially Friday, the weather will evolve towards practically 'pre-summer' conditions."

 

He attributed the warming to the arrival of a warm air mass from North Africa and noted that "the contrast between the situation on Wednesday and what we will see this weekend will be notable."

However, Mr Olcina warned that this warm spell is unlikely to last very long, as there is a risk of storms returning on Tuesday next week.

 

 

For Thursday, Aemet has issued a yellow alert for storms and hail in inland areas and along the southern coast of Alicante province. The alert is active from 12pm to 8pm. Aemet forecasts that showers accompanied by thunderstorms could be locally strong in these areas, with the possibility of small hail. Rain may also occur in the early hours along the northern coast.

 

Night-time temperatures will remain stable, while maximum temperatures are expected to rise. Winds will be light and variable, with sea breezes developing during the central hours of the day and a westerly trend toward evening.

 

 

On Friday May 16, partly cloudy skies are expected, becoming more overcast inland as the hours go by. Minimum temperatures will stay the same but the mercury will continue to rise during the day.

 

Winds will be light and variable, becoming moderate and southerly along the coast and in southern areas during the afternoon.

 

 

On Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, highs will range between 25ºC and 27ºC, creating a summery weekend. This pattern will continue into Monday, when temperatures could reach 30ºC in places like Orihuela and Elche.

 

 

Minimum and maximum temperatures in Alicante this weekend

 

• Thursday May 15: Min 12ºC; Max 25ºC
• Friday May 16: Min 11ºC; Max 28ºC
• Saturday May 17: Min 12ºC; Max 26ºC
• Sunday May 18: Min 13ºC; Max 27ºC

 

Find all the latest weather and climate change news here or join our Alicante Weather Watch Facebook group for regular updates

 

Images: Aemet