Severe Weather Forecast: Heavy Rain and Unusual Temperatures Hit Spain and the U.S.

Spain will face severe rainfall this week due to a meteorological phenomenon termed *gota fría*, with some regions expecting over 150mm of rain in 24 hours. Simultaneously, the U.S. experiences unusually warm nighttime temperatures, while Tropical Storm Kong-rey is likely to impact Taiwan with heavy rain and strong winds.

Spain is gearing up for an extraordinary meteorological event this week as heavy rainfall is predicted, particularly along the eastern coastline. Notable regions such as Valencia, Catalonia, Murcia, and eastern Andalucía are anticipated to receive over 150mm of rain within a mere 24-hour period on Tuesday, a figure that surpasses the typical monthly average by more than seven times. Additionally, Gibraltar is expected to face significant precipitation, accumulating to more than 40mm. This intense rainfall is attributed to a weather phenomenon known as gota fría, or “cold drop,” characterized by cold air moving over the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This seasonal occurrence triggers atmospheric instability which leads to the rapid ascent of warm, saturated air, resulting in the swift formation of towering cumulonimbus clouds that release heavy downpours across eastern regions of Spain. Formally referred to as “depresión aislada en niveles altos” (or “Dana” among Spanish meteorologists), the gota fría can produce torrential downpours, hail, thunderstorms, and severe flooding. However, the specific areas impacted by these events can often be hard to predict due to their localized nature. In parallel, the United States is experiencing unusually high nighttime temperatures this week, with several cities, including Chicago, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Fort Worth, expecting overnight lows to exceed 20°C, which is over 9°C more than the seasonal average. This unexpected warmth results from a southerly airflow that brings warm air from the Gulf of Mexico. Across the north Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Kong-rey is advancing north-westward and is likely to approach Taiwan early this week, with the potential for landfall on Thursday morning. Currently undergoing rapid intensification, Kong-rey may develop into a typhoon. Forecasts predict heavy rainfall exceeding 300mm in northern Taiwan and 150mm in other regions, posing significant risks of severe flooding and disruption. Wind gusts could reach over 100mph; however, it is crucial to note that the precise trajectory of Kong-rey remains uncertain and subject to change over the coming days.

The weather event described, particularly in Spain, is closely tied to the phenomenon known as *gota fría*, or cold drop, which occurs seasonally in regions near the Mediterranean Sea. This weather pattern generates heavy rainfall due to the interaction of cold air over warmer waters, leading to severe weather conditions that can be highly localized and unpredictable. In addition to the Mediterranean event, the report also highlights unusual weather patterns in the United States and the potential trajectory of Tropical Storm Kong-rey in the Pacific, demonstrating how varying weather phenomena can impact different regions simultaneously.

In summary, Spain is poised to experience an extraordinary uptick in rainfall, particularly along its eastern shores, due to the *gota fría* phenomenon, with record-breaking precipitation amounts forecasted. Simultaneously, unusual nighttime temperatures are prevalent across the United States, and Tropical Storm Kong-rey poses additional weather challenges in the Pacific region. The interplay of these different weather events underscores the need for vigilant tracking and preparation as these systems develop.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com