October has been officially declared the wettest month ever recorded in Spain, according to the Spanish meteorological agency (AEMET). The agency reported unprecedented rainfall levels, particularly during the deadly storms that affected the Valencia region.
“A significant amount of rainfall was observed across the country,” stated Aemet, noting an average precipitation of 147 liters per square meter (14.7 centimeters) throughout the Iberian Peninsula. This figure is “nearly double” the normal amount and marks the highest level since record-keeping began in 1961, surpassing the previous highs set in 1979 and 2003.
Moreover, October was also marked by unusually warm temperatures, with an average of 15.5°C in mainland Spain—0.9°C above the seasonal norm for this time of year, as detailed in the report.
The heavy rainfall was particularly intense during severe weather events that struck the southeast of the country, especially in the Valencia region, between October 29 and 30, according to Aemet.
In Turis, a town of 7,000 residents located inland from Valencia, 771 liters of rain per square meter (77.1 cm) fell within a 24-hour period, with 185 liters occurring in just one hour.
“This constitutes a record for Spain for such a short duration,” emphasized the Spanish agency.
These torrential downpours caused historic flooding in the region, resulting in at least 219 fatalities and dozens of individuals reported missing, according to authorities.
