The rainiest January in 25 years puts all of Spain on alert

The heavy rain this January has changed the national water situation. Reservoirs are reaching levels not seen in years. Andalucía is suspending classes and mobilising emergency services because of the risk of flooding. Extreme weather is setting the urban agenda.

The torrential rain this January has disrupted routines across Spain, and Barcelona has not escaped its effects. The month has broken rainfall records, something not seen for a quarter of a century, and the city is watching closely to see how these changes could affect everything from water supplies to urban mobility.

The country's reservoirs, whose low levels have been a cause for concern in recent years, are now more than 67% full. This figure provides some relief for water management and guarantees sufficient reserves for the coming months, although uncertainty about how the climate will develop remains on the public agenda.

In Andalucía, the situation has become critical. The authorities have decided to suspend classes in schools and universities because of the threat of flooding. All emergency services have also been activated to respond to possible incidents resulting from the extreme rainfall. This deployment of resources and the cancellation of educational activities reflect the severity of the weather event.

In Barcelona, residents are closely following developments in the weather, aware that these phenomena can have direct repercussions for daily life, from road closures to disruptions to cultural and sporting events. Once again, the weather has become an unexpected focus of urban news.

Rainfall patterns in Spain are highly variable. Prolonged droughts tend to alternate with periods of intense rainfall, complicating infrastructure planning and resource management. This dynamic forces cities to adapt constantly, reinforcing drainage systems and reviewing emergency protocols to minimise the impact of extreme events.