A look at the unusually wet winter on the Costa del Sol, and the practical impact this recent rainfall may have on water levels, gardens, and everyday life going into the summer months.
Coastal contrasts on the Costa del Sol, with sunshine and rain.
If you live on the Costa del Sol, or are a regular visitor, you cannot fail to have noticed that we have had a very unusual run of weather throughout the last month or so, with far more rain than is usual, and a number of red and amber warnings for both heavy rain and wind. This is significantly different to what we have come to expect.
It is worth noting that climate can change from year to year and is often cyclical, and therefore no single period of heavy rain can change the long-term climate picture or outlook. Having said that, there are some very practical short- and medium-term effects that are worth noting, particularly when it comes to your property, the maintenance of gardens, and outdoor living.
One of the most obvious benefits of the heavy rains has been the impact on water levels. Reservoirs and groundwater reserves have had time to recover, easing some of the pressures and worries that were being expressed last year as water supplies were running perilously low. For homeowners, maintaining gardens and keeping swimming pools in good condition will present less concern this year than last, as there should be sufficient water to function.
Gardens in particular will appreciate the consistent rainfall, and mature planting and established trees will benefit from the deeper moisture in the soil, supporting healthier growth over the summer months. This will be particularly noticeable in properties with landscaped gardens that have taken years to establish.
It is also worth remembering that just because we have had sustained rainfall, it does not remove the need for sensible water use, nor does it take away the broader challenges that southern Spain faces with regard to climate change. Local councils, communities, and homeowners still need to manage resources carefully, and those in power do need to think ahead to ensure that water storage in reservoirs is sufficient to meet the needs of the area, particularly in places like the Costa del Sol, where the number of homes has increased dramatically during the last 15 years.
Going forward into the summer, it looks as though the rainfall will make a significant difference, helping to create a greener and more pleasant environment for us all to enjoy on the Costa del Sol, and helping to alleviate worries around water shortages and the inconvenience caused by water restrictions.
On the Costa del Sol we are used to the fact that conditions are rarely static and that things change from year to year. It is good to be going into the summer months with healthy reserves and verdant gardens and golf courses. Let’s not complain too much about the rain and instead appreciate the benefits it is likely to bring in the months to come.
