Much of Catalonia is on alert for strong thunderstorms today, 12 May 2026, with the meteorological service Meteocat expanding its warnings to 27 counties across the region. Civil Protection has activated the Inuncat plan in its alert phase, urging caution for outdoor activities and travel.
After a Monday with minor showers confined to the Pyrenees, Tuesday's weather is expected to be significantly different. The morning will be largely sunny, but the afternoon will bring heavy downpours and storms across nearly the entire country, which could be locally very intense.
Six counties in the Barcelona metropolitan area and Central Catalonia have been issued an orange level warning, indicating a higher risk. Officials have advised residents to be particularly careful in areas prone to rapid water accumulation or sudden rises in streams and ravines.
Widespread Rainfall Expected
Showers and downpours are expected to start around midday in the Pyrenees, Pre-Pyrenees, and pre-coastal areas. These will spread throughout the afternoon, affecting almost every part of Catalonia. The updated forecast suggests rain is possible across the whole region.
However, some coastal areas, particularly between Barcelona and Tarragona, along with counties in Ponent and the High Pyrenees, are expected to experience less intense rainfall. Stronger storms are anticipated in the Terres de l'Ebre, Camp de Tarragona, the Barcelona Metropolitan Region, Central Catalonia, and the Girona counties.
These storms may also bring lightning, hail, or even small stones, according to Meteocat. The service has issued an intense rain warning for potential accumulations of 20 litres in just 30 minutes.
Orange Alert for Populated Areas
Six densely populated counties are under an orange alert, which is level 3 out of 6 on Meteocat's warning scale. These include Baix Llobregat, Anoia, Vallès Oriental, Vallès Occidental, Bages, and Moianès. The activation of the Inuncat plan by Civil Protection reflects the seriousness of these warnings.
Other counties under a yellow alert include Alt Camp, Alt Empordà, Alt Penedès, Baix Camp, Baix Ebre, Barcelonès, Berguedà, Conca de Barberà, Garrotxa, Gironès, Lluçanès, Maresme, Montsià, Osona, Pla de l'Estany, Priorat, Ribera d'Ebre, Ripollès, Selva, Solsonès, and Terra Alta.
Continued Instability Forecast
The pattern of sunny mornings followed by afternoon showers and storms is expected to continue throughout the week. Meteocat has already issued a warning for Wednesday for three Girona counties: Garrotxa, Selva, and Gironès.
While the forecast is still being finalised, current indications suggest that precipitation will repeat across much of Catalonia on Thursday and Friday, especially in the northern half of the region. Residents should stay updated on local weather advisories.
