The Valencia region in Spain was hit on Tuesday, October 29, by a Mediterranean episode, associated with a cold drop. It caused very heavy rains and floods, causing a very heavy human toll.
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This episodes of heavy precipitation have already existed in the past. They are characteristic of a Mediterranean climate where rapid events can cause a lot of damage. They are linked to a particular atmospheric configuration, with the presence of a cold drop at altitude (high altitude depression associated with cold air). Topography also plays an important role with the presence of relief near a sea serving as fuel for storms. Due to the relief, watersheds are subject to rapid flooding.
Climate change appears to be an aggravating factor. The increase in global temperature tends to increase the amount of precipitable water present in the atmosphere, because a warmer atmosphere can transport more water vapor.
Source Meteo France in French -> https://meteofrance.com/actualites-et-dossiers/actualites/inondations-en-espagne-valence-touchee-par-des-pluies
Image : pch.vector - FREEPIK
