A bizarre weather phenomenon – dubbed “mud hail” – swept across Spain’s Málaga province on Wednesday, March 4th, as Storm Regina brought torrential rain and strong winds to the region. The unusual precipitation, a mixture of ice and Saharan dust, coated streets and vehicles in a layer of grime, prompting concern and fascination among residents.
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) confirmed that Storm Regina, classified as a high-impact storm, was responsible for the unusual hail. The city of Antequera, located north of Málaga, experienced particularly heavy accumulations around 12:30 pm local time, with hailstones piling up in a way described as resembling “foamy snow.” The strange concoction, known locally as granizo de barro, was the result of raindrops collecting dust particles lifted from the Sahara Desert.
This isn’t the first time Saharan dust has impacted weather patterns in Spain. The phenomenon, known as calima, is common, particularly in the Canary Islands due to their proximity to North Africa. Calima can turn the sky yellow or orange and, as seen this week, contribute to unusual precipitation events.
The accumulation of ice and mud caused minor flooding in several streets of Antequera, as well as in nearby towns including Marbella and Coín. Images circulating on social media showed streets covered in a brownish-white sludge, with residents cautiously navigating the affected areas.
Storm Regina’s Path and Continued Warnings
While Storm Regina took a brief respite in Málaga province on Thursday, March 5th, the state meteorological agency Aemet forecasts that rain will return on Friday. According to Aemet, there is still a possibility of isolated showers towards the finish of Thursday, but the day will generally be more stable than Wednesday, when a yellow warning for thunderstorms and hail was in effect. A new high-altitude depression is expected to bring renewed rainfall during the final stretch of the week, stabilizing again by Sunday.
The impact of Storm Regina wasn’t limited to Málaga. Haze and mud showers were as well reported in other parts of the country, including the Mediterranean areas and the Ebro Valley. Eastern regions experienced unstable weather patterns in the early hours of Thursday, with rain falling across parts of Valencia, the Balearic Islands, Castilla-La Mancha, Murcia, Catalonia, and Andalusia.
Regional Impacts and Rainfall Forecasts
A yellow weather warning remains in place for parts of Málaga province on Thursday, specifically covering the Costa del Sol, Guadalhorce Valley, and Axarquía areas. Almeria and Granada are also under a yellow warning, with forecasts of “very cloudy skies” and “locally strong” showers. The concentration of suspended dust is expected to decrease from Thursday afternoon, but the potential for further rainfall remains.
Significant rainfall is anticipated in several regions over the coming days. Teruel, Castellón, Tarragona, Barcelona, and Girona could receive between 60 and 100 millimeters of rain, with some areas potentially exceeding 120 millimeters. Larger provinces are expected to see accumulations of 20 to 40 millimeters.
On Friday, March 6th, areas of Andalusia, the interior of the Iberian Peninsula, and the northeast are likely to remain affected. Jaén, northern Valencia, and southern Catalonia are currently on yellow alert. The weekend forecast remains uncertain, but showers and storms could continue across much of Spain.
Temperatures in Málaga are expected to drop this week, particularly maximum values in the interior of the province. Winds will be variable and light, becoming locally moderate from the southeast during the central hours of Thursday.
The unusual weather events highlight the increasing impact of climate patterns and atmospheric conditions on regional weather systems. The combination of storm activity and Saharan dust transport creates unique and sometimes disruptive phenomena, as seen with the “mud hail” in Málaga.
Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates from Aemet and to exercise caution during periods of heavy rainfall and potential flooding. The next official update from Aemet regarding Storm Regina’s trajectory and potential impacts is expected Friday morning.
Have you been affected by Storm Regina? Share your experiences and photos in the comments below.
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