The Fujiwhara effect and its impact on Spain at the beginning of spring

  • The Fujiwhara effect occurs when two cyclones interact and rotate around a common point.
  • Storm Martinho and secondary systems will bring heavy rain and wind to much of Spain.
  • Wind gusts of up to 150 km/h and heavy rainfall are expected in several regions of the country.
  • The phenomenon will also cause snowfall in the northern half, affecting the snow level.

Storm over the ocean

The beginning of spring in Spain will be marked by an unusual but highly impactful meteorological phenomenon: the fujiwhara effectThis interaction between low pressure systems can generate chaotic meteorological scenarios, significantly affecting the evolution of the storms and altering the weather in large areas of the country. To better understand how these systems behave, it is useful to know what what is the rainiest season in Spain.

In this particular case, the storm Martinho will be accompanied by several secondary depressions, which could merge or move in a coordinated manner due to this effect. This will result in an episode of heavy rains, strong winds and significant atmospheric instability in the coming days.

What is the Fujiwhara effect?

Fujiwara effect

El fujiwhara effect It is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when two cyclones or low pressure systems get close enough to influence each other. Depending on their size and proximity, these storms can orbit around a common point or even merge into a single, larger structure. This meteorological behavior is more common in tropical cyclones, but can also occur in mid-latitudes when multiple storms interact.

In the case of Spain, the storm Martinho and its associated systems are showing signs of this type of interaction, which may result in a significant change in the weather.

Impact on Spain's climate

The arrival of the storm Martinho will mark a drastic change over time, generating an episode of heavy rains y strong winds in various regions. Precipitation accumulations are expected to be especially significant in Galicia, Central Sistem, the northwest of Castilla y Leon and various mountainous areas. In these places, weather conditions will be extreme, so it's important to be prepared for any eventuality.

One of the main concerns is the wind speed, which in some areas could exceed 100 km/h and even reach peaks of 150 km/h in high areas. These gusts can cause tree falls, power outages, and traffic disruptions. In addition, the public is advised to be aware of the weather alerts to avoid unnecessary risks.

Possible snowfall in high areas

As the storm moves inland, there will also be a drop in temperatures in mountainous areas, placing the snow level between 1.200 and 1.400 meters in the northern half. This will mainly affect the Central Sistem and Pyrenees, where moderate to heavy snowfall will be recorded.

The cumulative effect of precipitation and subsequent melting could increase the flow of the rivers, so it is recommended to be alert to possible overflows and flooding in vulnerable areas.

Outlook for the coming days

effect that reaches Spain

Weather models indicate that unstable conditions will persist through the weekend, with heavy rains and strong winds prevailing across much of the country. Starting Monday, conditions will begin to gradually improve, although residual showers could still occur in some northern areas.

In this context, it is important that the population takes Precautions, avoiding unnecessary travel in regions where wind and rain are more intense. It is also recommended to follow the updates of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) to stay abreast of the evolution of this phenomenon. Meteorological information is key to adapting to the changes taking place.

The Fujiwhara effect in Spain's atmosphere is a reminder of the dynamic and complex behavior of weather systems and how their interaction can lead to episodes of major impact on the Iberian Peninsula.

rainy season in Spain
Related article:
The Rainy Season in Spain: Everything You Need to Know

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