2024-10-31 05:13:00
A persistent meteorological obstacle over the Spainin conditions of increased sea temperature, caused by the strong tough weather “Dana”which led to murders floodleading to many dead and missing disasters and major disasters.
The rain was very heavy in her area of Valencia and extremes in places, and a lot of water also fell in areas of Andalusia. OR Spanish National Meteorological Service (AEMET) he announced that the highest daily amount of rain was recorded in the Siva region, 30 kilometers west of Valencia, reaching 445.4 mm.
Most of the rain fell in a few hours, causing severe flooding. According to Climatebook, this is the second highest value of daily rainfall in the Valencia region, after 520 mm in the city of Tavernes de la Val on 11 September 1996.
In total, more than 100-150mm of rain fell (180mm in central Valencia) in less than 24 hours over a wide area in eastern Spain, and locally height of precipitation reached 250 millimeters. These are very high levels of rainfall when the average for the whole of October in Valencia is around 65mm. The bold and the extreme weather events become more frequent in the era of climate change.
“The atmospheric phenomenon that hit Spain is due to a barrier, that is, an arrangement that prevents the movement of weather systems, which led to a prolonged and increased concentration of water vapor over a relatively limited area in the east of the Spain as a result. rain torrent. The concentration of water vapor was also improved due to the increase in the sea surface temperature in the western Mediterranean, about 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above the climate average for a while, but also in the period from 19 to 29 October. In other words, the role of the warming of the Mediterranean due to climate change in extreme weather phenomena is emphasized.” Kostas Kartalis explains for “K”.professor of Environmental and Climate Physics at the Kapodistrian University of Athens.
“The anticyclone that has settled over the Iberian Peninsula is shaping ‘cold lake’ conditions, with a barometric low firmly in place over Spain. As a result the bad weather remained unrelenting for many hours and a large amount of rain fell in the affected areas”, noted the Stavros Dafispartner of the National Observatory of Athens. “Although Spain and the Mediterranean coast receive heavy rain in the autumn months, the weather was badly “Dana” one of the most severe.” Media reports in Spain are talking about the heaviest rain in 30 years.
“There are many points in common with her bad weather “Daniel”who hit her Thessaly last year, which was obviously more intense and lasted more days. In both cases there were isolated barometric lows; in Spain – as in Greece – the incoming air mass which was full of water vapor rose significantly due to mountainous relief, which is more significant in Magnesia. And in the Valencia region the rain was constant”, says Mr. Dafis.
Similarities
“The common points of the phenomenon in Spain with the one that hit Thessaly in 2023 are the two block – although the one in “Daniel” had some differences – as well as the transfer of hot and moist gas masses from areas in the Mediterranean where the sea temperature had higher values than the climate average”, says Mr. Kartalis.
The obstacle that arose “Dana” was a Rex type.although the one seen before ‘Daniel’ is an Omega type. The point is that these phenomena are frequent in the Mediterranean Sea and result in intense precipitation, which may gain a higher intensity especially in climate change conditions.
“In the western region of the Mediterranean Sea, on the coasts of Spain, especially France, in the region of Genoa, under the influence of the Alps, attention is paid to such phenomena. The specific one in Spain had a lot of tension, which needs to be studied. The difference with “Daniel” was the greater intensity of the phenomenon i Thessaly. Let us not forget that there were areas where more than 750 millimeters of rain fell in 24 hours and in the period of three days”, said the Lagouvardos costdirector of Research at the Athens Observatory and science manager of meteo.gr.
Perhaps the most important common feature is “how vulnerable both areas were in the real phenomenon”, as Mr Kartalis emphasizes. “Unfortunately, we have built and organized our places for a climate that no longer exists. And they urgently need projects and actions to improve their resilience”, emphasizes Professor EKPA.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Climate Expert Kostas Kartalis
Editor: Good morning, Kostas. Thank you for joining us today. The recent severe weather in Spain has made headlines globally, with the storms attributed to a phenomenon known as “Dana.” Can you explain what “Dana” is and how it affected the Valencia region specifically?
Kostas Kartalis: Good morning! “Dana” refers to a particular weather pattern characterized by a stationary low-pressure area that traps air and creates prolonged rain events. In Valencia, the storm led to unprecedented rainfall, with some areas receiving nearly 445 millimeters in a mere few hours. This kind of extreme precipitation is alarming, especially when we consider that the October average for Valencia is just around 65 millimeters.
Editor: It’s staggering to hear those numbers. How do rising sea temperatures relate to the intensity of these storms?
Kostas Kartalis: This is crucial. The warmer sea surface, particularly in the western Mediterranean, contributes to a higher concentration of water vapor in the atmosphere. For ”Dana,” the sea temperature was elevated between 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above the climate norm. Warmer waters essentially act as a fuel for these storms, enhancing their intensity and the volume of rainfall.
Editor: The article mentions that this storm is reminiscent of another weather event – “Daniel,” which hit Thessaly last year. What are the key similarities and differences between these two storms?
Kostas Kartalis: Both storms exemplify blockages in the atmosphere that lead to significant weather anomalies. However, while “Dana” was a Rex-type blockage over Spain, “Daniel” was characterized by an Omega-type pattern. Despite these differences, both resulted from moist air being lifted over mountainous areas, causing extensive rainfall. They highlight how such phenomena frequently occur in the Mediterranean and how climate change intensifies these patterns.
Editor: Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, what steps can be taken to better prepare for and manage these situations in the future?
Kostas Kartalis: Preparation begins with enhanced weather forecasting and early warning systems. Also, we need improved urban planning that considers potential flooding and storm impacts. Most importantly, addressing the root causes of climate change is essential. Transitioning to sustainable practices can mitigate the long-term risks associated with such extreme weather.
Editor: Looking at the situation in Spain, what immediate impacts do you foresee in terms of policy or public awareness?
Kostas Kartalis: We are likely to see a push for more robust climate resilience policies in Spain and across the Mediterranean. There will be a heightened public awareness about climate change, especially regarding its tangible impacts. Communities that experience such disasters often become more engaged in discussions about sustainability and disaster preparedness.
Editor: Thank you, Kostas, for your insights into this critical issue. It’s clear that the consequences of climate change are becoming more pronounced, and it’s imperative we address them with urgency.
Kostas Kartalis: Thank you for having me! It’s vital that we keep the conversation going and take proactive steps toward a sustainable future.
