Valencia, Spain, has experienced catastrophic flooding due to an extreme weather event, with nearly 500 mm of rain falling within eight hours. The storm has been characterized by thunderstorms and tornadoes across multiple locations. A cold drop phenomenon over the Iberian Peninsula is identified as the primary cause of this disaster.
According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the highest rainfall was recorded in Chiva, where 435.8 liters per square meter were measured. Meteorologist Pascal Mormal highlighted that this weather pattern resembles the severe flooding that occurred in Belgium in July 2021.
Climatologist Xavier Fettweis from the University of Liège explained that a very cold air mass, approximately 20 degrees Celsius below zero at an altitude of 5 kilometers, interacts with a significantly warmer air mass at lower altitudes, creating extreme humidity and instability. The rainfall amounts this time were reported to be double those seen in Belgium in 2021.
The region has also been facing prolonged dry conditions, exacerbating the situation. In just a few hours, the area witnessed rainfall equivalent to more than a year’s worth. While extreme weather events have occurred in the past, the intensity observed now is unprecedented.
Recent weeks have also seen heavy rainfall in France and Italy, attributed to rising ocean temperatures in both the Mediterranean and Atlantic, which have increased by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius over the past two years. Warmer waters contribute to increased humidity and more intense storms.
Experts warn that similar catastrophic events could occur in Belgium, as seen in 2021. However, current weather models are struggling to accurately predict such occurrences. Fettweis noted that these models are based on historical data, which may not reflect the unprecedented nature of recent events. As a result, meteorologists are challenged in providing reliable forecasts.