The province of Malaga, in southern Spain, was recently struck by a meteorological phenomenon known as galeThis phenomenon is characterized by strong winds that can reach up to 60 kilometers per hour, and are caused by the presence of a mass of cold, humid air. Curiously, gales are typical phenomena in the area of River, and in Malaga they are called mini-squalls due to its lower intensity. The moisture can reach levels of 75%, which contributes to the feeling of inclement weather.
Galernas are common meteorological phenomena in the Cantabrian Sea. and are especially notable for their strong winds and the sudden changes in temperature they bring with them. On this occasion in Malaga, the winds reached 50 kilometers per hour and temperatures plummeted between 5 and 10 degrees. This causes gales in Mediterranean areas to be classified as mini-gales. To better understand this phenomenon, it is advisable to consult information on the meteorological phenomenon of gale.
Galernas appear when, suddenly, the wind blowing from the west changes direction to a wind of eastThis sudden change in wind direction occurs when a cold air mass enters the eastern Mediterranean region of the peninsula, causing intense gusts of wind and high humidity levels. The word "galerna" comes from the French "galerne," which refers to a northwesterly wind.
In recent days, residents of Málaga have experienced two contrasting weather phenomena. Over the weekend, they experienced the offshore, which brought temperatures above 30 degrees, generating a sensation of stifling heat. However, the arrival of the mini-storm brought with it strong winds and a sharp drop in temperatures. This climate variability is common during the spring months in the region.
Characteristics of the Galerna
Galernas are a meteorological phenomenon observed primarily on the northern coast of Spain, especially in the Cantabrian Sea and the Bay of Biscay. They are characterized by a sudden and violent change in weather conditions, manifested in the following ways:
- Winds often exceed the 100 km/h to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the intensity of the storm.
- Temperatures can drop rapidly, in some cases to 10-12 degree in less than 20 minutes.
- Typically, gales occur on sunny, warm days and can lead to sudden, intense downpours.
- The phenomenon usually lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
Types of Galerna
Within the gales, there are two main types:
- Typical gale: It generally occurs between spring and autumn, especially in summer. During this period, the wind shifts to west-northwest, increasing sharply, causing swells at sea.
- Frontal gale: It occurs when a cold front passes, with more marked changes in atmospheric variables compared to a typical storm.
Factors of Gale Formation
Storms require specific weather conditions to form. Some of the factors that contribute to their development are:
- The presence of a Mountain chain parallel to the coast that channels cold air.
- The sudden change in temperature between warm and cold air, especially when there is overheating of the air over land.
- Precipitation conditions, such as warm southerly winds interfering with colder air from the north.
Gale storms have been a source of concern for centuries, especially for sailors, who have suffered the consequences of this unexpected phenomenon. Throughout history, gale storms have claimed numerous lives and left a significant impact on the region's fishing communities.
Stories and Consequences of the Galerna
One of the most remembered storms was that of April 20, 1878, known as the "Holy Saturday Gale", which resulted in the tragic death of 322 fishermenThis episode led to the implementation of a series of improvements in navigation and rescue of shipwrecked people.
| Date | Deceased | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 1842 | It especially affected Laredo | |
| 1873 | Nearly fifty boats and their crews were lost along the coast up to Bayonne. | |
| April 20th 1878 | 322 | Holy Saturday Gale. |
| 1879 | More than two dozen fishing boats were shipwrecked. | |
| 1882 | Several ships from Santander were lost. | |
| April 26th 1890 | 54 | The Santander ships were shipwrecked: Santa Catalina, San Pedro, Nuestra Señora del Carmen y Good Night. |
| julio de 1894 | 17 | |
| 1899 | The Ondarrés ship was shipwrecked off Santoña Josephite, whose crew was saved by the yacht Goizeko Izarra by Ramón de la Sota. | |
| July 12, 1908 | 49 | Sailors from fishing boats disappeared off the coasts of Asturias, Cantabria and Vizcaya. |
| From 12 to 13 August 1912 | 141 | Bermeo lost 143 fishermen, one in ten of the town's fishermen died in the storm. |
| December 20th 1914 | Four ships sank between Suances and Comillas. | |
| 12 to the 13 of July of 1961 | 83 | The Cantabrian fleet was sailing in pursuit of bonito, far from the coast, when it was caught in the storm. |
| June 7th, 1987 | 8 | Frontal storm that affected Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country and the southwest coast of France. |
| May 13th 2002 | 1 | Strong frontal storm that particularly affected the Basque Country. |
Galernas are not just a meteorological phenomenon; they have shaped the social and cultural life of coastal communities in northern Spain. Stories about these violent storms are part of the local heritage, and safety at sea has been strengthened by the experience gained over time.
Today, meteorological technology makes it possible to predict storm surges and issue alerts, but the unpredictable nature of these events remains a concern for coastal residents. Therefore, fishermen and beachgoers are advised to pay close attention to weather reports and warnings from authorities.
The storm phenomenon remains a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of respecting the elements. With the arrival of each new storm, coastal communities prepare to face an old enemy that, despite technological advances, remains unpredictable and dangerous.
Information about the timing and conditions surrounding a storm is essential to minimizing its impact. Knowing when and how storms occur can make the difference between preventing tragedy and experiencing a moment of chaos.
Tips for dealing with a gale
Knowledge and preparation are essential to mitigating the risks associated with storm surges. Here are some recommendations for people living in or visiting areas prone to storm surges:
- Stay informed: Check the weather forecasts and Aemet alerts to be prepared for any gale warnings.
- Avoid navigation: In case of an alert, it is best to stay away from the sea and avoid going out in small boats.
- Secure your belongings: If you have items outside, such as garden furniture or boats, be sure to pick them up or secure them to prevent them from being blown away by the wind.
- Prepare for adverse conditions: Always have an emergency plan that includes shelters and safety equipment in case a storm occurs.
With proper knowledge and necessary precautions, communities in northern Spain can cope with this meteorological phenomenon and continue enjoying their natural surroundings, while respecting the power of the natural world that surrounds them.