The return to schools and secondary schools in Alicante province on Wednesday, 9 September, will be marked by rain and thunderstorms. The State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, has issued a yellow warning for inland and southern areas, where rainfall could reach 20 litres per square metre in one hour.

The north of the province is under an orange warning, with rainfall totals potentially reaching twice that amount. The rain could bring large hail and strong gusts of wind. The warnings will run from 2pm until 11.59pm on Wednesday.

The morning school run is not expected to be affected, but heavy rain could complicate afternoon pick-ups after the school dining period. Families have been advised to follow updates from official weather channels.

The storms will follow a prolonged spell of unusually hot weather. The University of Alicante’s Climatology Laboratory says a trough of cold air will cross the peninsula, combining with maritime winds and sea temperatures of around 30C. Temperatures are expected to rise again afterwards, although not to the same levels, while further storms cannot be ruled out next week.