From extreme weather to digital scams and growing population figures - Spain had an eventful week. We list the main events for you.

Streets white with hail: significant damage in several regions

On Thursday, May 8, Valencia, Almería, Murcia and Salamanca, among others, experienced heavy hailstorms. The showers were part of a major Atlantic storm and caused considerable inconvenience.

• Valencia (l'Olleria) received nearly 30 liters of water per square meter in three quarters of an hour, with thick hailstones to boot. Result: flooded streets, overloaded sewers and a white landscape as if it had been snowing. Sports fields and parks were closed as a precaution.

• Almería (El Ejido) experienced hail the size of golf balls. Agriculture was particularly hard hit: more than 11,000 hectares sustained damage, accounting for an estimated €30 million in losses. The municipality declared the area a disaster area.

• Murcia (Mula) saw streets turned white from the hail, leading to traffic disruption and property damage. Roads had to be temporarily closed.

• Salamanca reported damage to cars, buildings and crops. Orchards and vineyards were particularly hard hit.

According to the Spanish weather service AEMET, the stormy weather is not over yet. Rainfall will also continue over the weekend in large parts of the country.

Beware: fake text messages about traffic fines circulating

The Spanish traffic department DGT is warning of fake text messages circulating. The message says you have to pay a traffic fine - often 50 euros - and includes a link. Sounds official, but is pure scam.

The link leads to a counterfeit website where you have to enter personal information. The DGT stresses that it never sends fines via text message. Official communication is only by mail or through the official digital mailbox (DEV).

What can you do if you get such a message?

• Don't click on the link.

• Do not provide details.

• Delete the message.

• Did you enter something anyway? Then contact your bank immediately and report it to the police.

Spain ticks nearly 49.2 million inhabitants

Spain has had a record population as of April 1, 2025: 49,153,849, to be exact. That's more than 75,000 more than the previous quarter. The growth is largely due to immigration.

• The number of people of foreign nationality now stands at nearly 7 million.

• Most of the newcomers came from Colombia, Morocco and Venezuela.

• Remarkably, the number of people born abroad (over 9.4 million) is higher than the number of people with foreign citizenship - a result of naturalizations.

Regionally, the population grew mainly in Madrid, Valencia and Murcia. A slight decrease was seen in the Balearic Islands, Ceuta and Extremadura. The number of households also grew along with it, to over 19.5 million.