The arrival of gales associated with intense storms is creating a complicated outlook in both Spain and Colombia., where meteorological services and authorities have issued alerts in anticipation of more adverse weather conditions in the coming days. Phenomena such as heavy rain, winds exceeding 70-90 km/h, and hail have caused material damage and put residents in multiple areas on alert.
In the case of Spain, several communities have seen how the storms gained strength over the weekend., particularly due to the influence of an Atlantic trough and the formation of a low-pressure zone (DANA) in the western part of the peninsula. This situation has favored the development of convective clouds, capable of discharging significant amounts of rain and causing intense gales.
Spanish regions under threat of gales and storms
The most recently affected provinces include Teruel, Albacete, Badajoz, Córdoba, Jaén, Ciudad Real, Toledo, Cuenca, and parts of the Valencian Community and Madrid.In these areas, the State Meteorological Agency has issued successive warnings for heavy rain and gales, advising of accumulations exceeding 15-20 l/m² in just one hour and wind gusts that have locally reached over 80 or even 90 km/h. More details on the warnings and forecasts can be found at strong wind alerts in Spain.
The combination of cold air in upper layers and the arrival of warm, humid air from the Mediterranean and the Atlantic has intensified instability, causing organized storms that have sometimes been accompanied by large hail (exceeding 2 cm) and significant electrical activity. This pattern is expected to continue, extending throughout much of the week, and could affect other areas of the central and northern peninsula.
The main consequences include damage to homes, crops and roads.Some municipalities, such as Chivatá in Boyacá (Colombia), have suffered damage to rural infrastructure and housing due to persistent gales and rain. The swift action of the authorities has allowed the affected families to be relocated and repair work to begin.
Colombia also suffers the effects of the gales
In Colombia, the tropical cyclone season and the succession of tropical waves are increasing the risk of gales, floods and hailstorms. in vulnerable areas such as La Guajira, San Andrés, Atlántico, Bolívar, Magdalena, as well as in inland departments such as Arauca, Casanare and Santanderes.
Official agencies have warned that such phenomena can trigger sudden flooding of rivers, landslides, and damage to crops and homes, especially in rural areas. The population is advised to remain cautious, follow the instructions of the authorities and be alert to new weather alerts..
Meteorological factors behind the recent storms
The development of gales is linked to specific weather patterns, such as atmospheric instability at altitude and the collision of air masses of different temperatures and humidity.In Spain, the formation of cold drops and the influence of convective systems have been decisive in the occurrence of these intense episodes.
In Colombia, the passage of tropical waves alters the circulation of winds and pressure, generating Large cumulonimbus clouds that discharge intense rainfall and produce gales, often within minutes. Authorities in both countries insist on the importance of vigilance and anticipation of these events to minimize their effects..
Material damage and response of the authorities
The most common damages include torn off roofs, blocked roads and flooded crops.In the case of Chivatá (Boyacá), collaboration between the police, the mayor's office, and the Risk Management Unit has made it possible to quickly assist affected families and initiate repairs to damaged homes and roads.
In Spain, the activation of weather warnings and coordination between different agencies are allowing for rapid response to the most critical situations, although the alert remains in effect due to the possibility of adverse weather conditions continuing in the coming days.
The persistence of adverse conditions, coupled with the combination of intense heat and stormy episodes, is creating an environment especially prone to gales, hail, and other potentially dangerous situations. Citizen cooperation and preparedness by authorities will be crucial to mitigate the effects of these events in the most exposed areas.
