The autumn months usually bring some much-needed rain to the Costa del Sol but the heavy rain that fell between the 6th and 8th of November produced the highest totals in the Malaga area since November 1989, the month of the devastating floods.

Winds along the Costa del Sol reached storm force 10 (50 knots) with gusts exceeding 60 knots (70 mph) during the morning of the 28th January. An awesome display of waves accompanied the gales. This article examines the days preceding the strong winds and offers an explanation as to their possible cause.

The reservoirs of southern Spain have been severely depleted after many months of inadequate rainfall, so any rain that falls during May is very welcomed. This rain is normally the last useful replenishment before the hotels on the Costa del Sol fill with tourists, and the precious water is lost to the drains and sewers.

The brochures suggest unbroken sunshine for the Costa del Sol in the summer months, and the pictures show cloudless skies. but reality is somewhat different. Although widespread unsettled weather is rare in August, and rain caused by weather fronts is even rarer, it does occur, and on 17th August 2006 significant frontal rain occurred over most of Andalucia.

January this year (2006) was the wettest in Malaga since 1997, although the rainfall total of 86 mm (3.3 ins) was only 33% above the long-term average for the month. Snow also made a rare appearance on the Costa del Sol.

On the 9th of October 2005 a small tropical storm was detected in the eastern Atlantic by the Hurricane Centre in Miami (Florida). It was an unusual storm in many respects, and when it dissipated it moved quickly east, crossing southern Spain during the 11th.

There are many reasons why southern Spain hosts a mass exodus of holidaymakers from northern European cities during the summer months, but the seaside has always featured prominently. However, a little known, but nevertheless unpleasant, phenomenon may greet those eager tourists.