Severe Weather Threatens Spain and Beyond

Spain is expected to experience severe rainfall due to a gota fría phenomenon, with areas like Valencia and Catalonia potentially receiving over 150mm in 24 hours. Concurrently, the US is facing warmer night temperatures, and Tropical Storm Kong-rey is on track to affect Taiwan, raising concerns for severe weather and flooding.

Spain is poised to face an exceptional weather event this week, as meteorologists anticipate severe rainfall particularly impacting the eastern coastal regions. Areas including Valencia, Catalonia, Murcia, and eastern Andalucía may experience rainfall exceeding 150mm in a single day this Tuesday, a figure that drastically surpasses the typical monthly average by over seven times. Notably, Gibraltar is also forecasted to receive substantial rainfall, with figures likely to surpass 40mm. This intense precipitation is attributed to a weather phenomenon referred to as a gota fría, or “cold drop,” which transpires when frigid air circulates over the warmer waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This seasonal meteorological event results in atmospheric instability, prompting rapid upward movement of warm, moisture-laden air and leading to the swift development of towering cumulonimbus clouds. These clouds can manifest within hours and subsequently unleash heavy rainfall across the eastern segments of Spain. Commonly referred to in technical terms as a “depresión aislada en niveles altos” (translated as “Dana” by Spanish meteorologists), this weather pattern is characterized by its localized impact, often leading to torrential downpours, hail, thunderstorms, and the potential for severe flooding. Thus, predicting the specific areas that will be affected remains challenging. In addition, unusual night-time temperatures are forecasted in the United States, with certain urban centers—including Chicago, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Fort Worth—anticipated to exceed overnight lows of 20°C, which represents a significant increase of over 9°C compared to the seasonal average. This unexpected warmth is due to a southerly airflow that transports warm air from the Gulf of Mexico. Meanwhile, the north Pacific Ocean is currently home to Tropical Storm Kong-rey, which is moving northwest and is likely to approach Taiwan early in the week, potentially making landfall on Thursday morning. The storm is observed to be strengthening rapidly and possesses the potential to escalate into a typhoon. Kong-rey is predicted to deliver heavy rainfall and fierce winds, with accumulations potentially exceeding 300mm in northern Taiwan and around 150mm in other areas. This situation raises concerns regarding severe flooding and disruption, with wind gusts projected to reach over 100mph. However, it is imperative to note that the track of Kong-rey remains uncertain, and its trajectory may alter as the days progress.

The article addresses extraordinary weather phenomena impacting Spain, notably the phenomenon known as ‘gota fría’ or ‘cold drop.’ This meteorological event brings significant rainfall and is characterized by its sudden onset due to shifts in temperature and pressure. The information emphasizes how warm air over cooler waters can lead to severe weather, illustrating the dynamic nature of weather systems. Additionally, it discusses unusual temperature patterns in the US and the risk posed by Tropical Storm Kong-rey in the north Pacific, demonstrating the global interconnectedness of weather systems and their local effects.

In summary, Spain is bracing for significant rainfall due to a gota fría event, which could result in excessive precipitation along its eastern coast. The phenomenon highlights the unpredictable nature of weather events, particularly as they relate to atmospheric changes over maritime regions. Concurrently, unusual warm weather conditions are being observed in parts of the US, along with the potential impact of Tropical Storm Kong-rey in Taiwan. These developments indicate a pattern of extreme weather across diverse locations.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com