Spain is bracing for a significant weather event this week as severe rainfall is forecasted, particularly along the eastern coast.
Regions including Valencia, Catalonia, Murcia, and eastern Andalucía could see over 150mm of rain within 24 hours on Tuesday—an amount that exceeds the typical monthly average by more than seven times.
Gibraltar is also expected to be impacted, with rainfall totals surpassing 40mm.
The anticipated downpour is attributed to a meteorological phenomenon known as “gota fría,” or “cold drop.” This occurs when cold air descends over the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, creating atmospheric instability.
As a result, warm, saturated air rapidly ascends, forming towering cumulonimbus clouds that unleash heavy rain across eastern Spain.
Known officially as “depresión aislada en niveles altos” (Dana), these isolated depressions can lead to localized yet intense weather events, including torrential rain, hail, thunderstorms, and severe flooding.
Tropical Storm Kong-rey threatens Taiwan with heavy rains and strong winds later this week.In contrast, the United States is experiencing unusually high night-time temperatures this week, with overnight lows predicted to exceed 20°C in major cities like Chicago, Houston, and Dallas—more than 9°C above the seasonal norm.
This unexpected warmth is a result of a southerly airflow bringing warm air from the Gulf of Mexico.
Meanwhile, in the north Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Kong-rey is making headlines as it tracks northwestward and is likely to approach Taiwan early this week.
Currently strengthening, Kong-rey poses the risk of developing into a typhoon, with forecasts predicting heavy rain and wind gusts exceeding 100 mph.
The storm could bring over 300mm of rain to northern Taiwan, raising concerns about severe flooding and disruption. However, the storm’s exact path remains uncertain as conditions evolve.