Overview
- Aemet issued an official special warning for the western Mediterranean for the weekend of Oct 17–19, saying long‑lasting storms could drop locally 150–300 liters per square meter in 12–24 hours and giving a high probability of severe, flood‑producing rainfall.
- The Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) says a cooler low called Irima has replaced the warm spell over Germany, bringing widespread rain, lower daytime highs mostly in the single digits to low teens, and fresh to strong coastal winds with gusty or storm‑force gusts.
- High‑resolution model runs show very large totals in the Alps and border regions, with heavy rain at lower elevations and up to about one metre of new snow possible on the highest peaks, increasing risks of rapid runoff and slope failures.
- Authorities warn of immediate travel and safety impacts: Balearic and Valencian emergency services advise staying home and preparing supplies, DWD fog warnings report visibility under 150 meters in many Bavarian counties, and prolonged rain may close roads and disrupt ferries and flights.
- Short‑term forecasts and model consensus point to a brief improvement from Monday into midweek with drier, sunnier conditions and temperatures rebounding toward roughly 12–18°C, but the exact placement of the heaviest bands remains uncertain.