Spain Braces for Cold Storm and Heavy Rainfall Amid Uncertainty
A new adverse weather front is set to impact Spain this week, as a cold storm approaches from northern Europe, according to Rubén del Campo, spokesperson for the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). An initial information note was released on Sunday, warning both the population and authorities of the upcoming severe weather conditions. Aemet predicts that from Tuesday, Spain will experience abundant, strong, and persistent rainfall, particularly affecting the Balearic Islands and the Mediterranean coasts. This storm arrives just two weeks after the significant weather event known as 'gota fría' or DANA, which wreaked havoc across the country and is considered one of the worst autumn weather events this century.
This incoming storm front is expected to bring a stark drop in temperatures, with sudden winter chill and snowfall predicted at altitudes of 800 to 1000 meters in northern Spain. According to Aemet, a mass of cold air moving southwest from northern Europe will create an isolated DANA that will reach the peninsula and the Balearic Islands on Tuesday. As the week progresses, the weather is expected to deteriorate, particularly on Wednesday in the Mediterranean region, and these conditions are anticipated to linger at least until Saturday.
The intensity of rainfall is a major concern, especially since many areas are still recovering from the recent devastation in the Valencia region, which led to over 200 fatalities and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Del Campo noted that this new storm could be less destructive than the previous one, but the heightened vulnerability of already-affected areas in southern Catalonia, Castellón, and southern Valencia raises alarm. Predictions indicate that these areas may receive between 60 to 80 liters of rain between Thursday and Saturday, leading to potential flooding.
As Monday approaches, before the storm's impact, strong winds are forecasted in the Empordà region of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, with localized heavy showers possible in Ibiza, Formentera, and Alicante. A yellow warning has been issued for the Balearic Islands and parts of Catalonia due to anticipated rain and rough seas.
On Tuesday, as the cold storm moves closer, instability will increase. Aemet anticipates widespread rain across the northern third of Spain, with particularly heavy rain expected on the eastern Cantabrian Sea and along the Mediterranean coasts of the Levant and Balearic Islands. The Balearic Islands could see rainfall accumulations of 30 to 40 liters per square meter within just one hour, leading to flooding in low-lying areas.
Snowfall is predicted in the northern mountain ranges, with upwards of 800 meters seeing significant snow accumulation, particularly in the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian mountain range. Lighter snow may also occur in the Central system and southern Iberian system due to northerly winds and frost in mountainous regions.
Currently, weather alerts have been issued for rain, storms, snow, wind, and rough seas across six regions. Orange warnings are in effect for rain in the Balearic Islands and rough seas in Girona, while yellow warnings cover various weather concerns in Aragón, Castilla y León, Catalonia, Galicia, and Valencia.
By Wednesday, temperatures are expected to drop further, especially in southern Spain, creating distinctly wintry weather conditions including light frost in mountainous areas and central plains. Rain will continue, but the most severe instability is anticipated in the Balearic Islands and the eastern regions, where heavy or very heavy rain is likely.
As the week continues, uncertainty remains regarding the position of the low-pressure area, which will ultimately determine where the most intense rainfall will occur. Areas of southern Andalusia and the Levant region have been identified as high-risk zones for intense rainfall.
The final days of the week might see milder conditions as temperatures rise across much of the country. However, this shift in temperature could confine snowfall to higher altitudes, while the west of the peninsula may experience further Atlantic storms and potential rain.
Residents are urged to stay informed with updates from Aemet as conditions evolve throughout the week.
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