Storm Regina Brings ‘Mud Rain’ and Fierce Winds to Southern Spain

As Storm Regina sweeps across Spain, a peculiar meteorological phenomenon dubbed ‘mud hail’ has been reported in Málaga on the Costa del Sol. The storm is bringing strong winds and significant rainfall to various regions of the country.

‘Mud Hail’ in Málaga Province

According to Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), Storm Regina brought a strange form of hail to the province of Málaga on Wednesday, March 4th. The city of Antequera experienced hailstones around 12:30 pm, accumulating in a way described as resembling foamy snow .

The rain and hail were accompanied by dust and mud, creating the unusual “mud hail” phenomenon reported in the Spanish press . This “mud” is attributed to dust from the Sahara Desert, which often causes a haze and turns the sky yellow or orange, known as haze in Spanish.

Weather Warnings and Affected Areas

Some areas of Málaga province remain under a yellow weather warning for rain and thunderstorms on Thursday, March 5th, particularly around the Costa del Sol, Guadalhorce Valley, and Axarquía areas .

Haze and mud showers have also been reported in other parts of the country and may be noticeable in Mediterranean areas and the Ebro Valley on Thursday.

Storm Regina’s Path and Rainfall Forecast

Storm Regina is traveling north, spreading across the country. Unstable weather patterns became widespread in eastern regions in the early hours of Thursday, with rain falling in parts of Valencia, the Balearic Islands, Castilla-La Mancha, Murcia, Catalonia, and Andalusia.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to intensify throughout the day, affecting more areas of Murcia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and Catalonia, peaking in the mid-afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms are also anticipated in Galicia, Asturias, and western Castilla y León.

Significant rainfall is possible in Teruel, Castellón, Tarragona, Barcelona, and Girona, with potential accumulations between 60 and 100 mm, and some areas exceeding 120 mm. Larger provinces are expected to see accumulations of 20 to 40 mm in the coming days.

Ongoing Alerts and Weekend Forecast

On Friday, March 6th, areas of Andalusia, the interior of the peninsula, and the northeast may still be affected, with Jaén, northern Valencia, and southern Catalonia on yellow alert.

The weekend forecast remains uncertain, but current predictions suggest continued showers and storms across most of the country.