The tornadoes Tornadoes are impressive meteorological phenomena often associated with the United States, especially in areas like the famous "tornado alley." Every year, news stories about these phenomena, which leave a trail of destruction in their wake, are common in the press and on digital platforms. However, it is a myth that they only form in North America; In fact, Spain has also witnessed tornadoes, including water tornadoes or waterspouts.
A clear example was the water tornado that formed on November 27 off the coast of Valencia, an event that sparked curiosity and concern among residents and meteorological specialists. This event raises fundamental questions: Why do tornadoes occur in our country? In addition to this, it may be interesting to learn more about tornadoes in Spain y its frequency and characteristics.
Tornado Formation: A Complex Meteorological Process
To understand the situation in Spain, it is essential to observe what is happening in the United States. In the “tornado alley”, where different air masses converge, the optimal conditions for the development of these phenomena are produced. Low pressure meets warm air from the Gulf of Mexico, creating an environment conducive to the formation of tornadoes.
The atmosphere must have a balance between cold air and currents in one direction and warm air moving in another direction, known as shear. These conditions allow air masses to begin rotating, and if the warm air rises strongly, a tornado can form, feeding off the rising moist air. In this regard, it is important to understand types of tornadoes that can be formed and their characteristics. In addition, in In Spain, weather conditions during the fall are similar to those found on the US plains in spring..
As the Mediterranean cools, temperatures are still warm enough for the air to generate waterspouts as cold air approaches from the north. This increases the possibility of tornadoes forming off our coasts, especially in autumn, which is crucial to know. waterspouts in the Mediterranean.
Incidence of Tornadoes in Spain
Contrary to popular belief, tornadoes are not as uncommon in Spain as is commonly believed. According to recent studies, Between 22 and 29 tornadoes are recorded each year. In the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. Of a total of 608 tornadoes cataloged from 1950 to 2021, approximately 9% are considered significant, reaching category EF2 or higher, meaning they can produce winds of up to 200 km/h, causing significant destructive potential.
Most of these tornadoes tend to appear in coastal areas, with the Catalan coast and the Gulf of Cadiz being the areas with the highest incidence. However, other phenomena have been recorded in various regions of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast. In the case of waterspouts, they rarely make landfall, so the damage is usually related to the intense rainfall that accompanies them. In this regard, it's worth noting that they are equally fascinating and have their own impact.
In fact, it is noteworthy that they are spectacular and often generate great curiosity, although their impact is often less devastating than that of a terrestrial tornado. To learn more about how to deal with them, you can consult procedures in case of waterspouts.
Favorable Conditions for Tornadoes in Spain
Un recent study by the University of Barcelona has allowed us to identify atmospheric patterns that favor tornado formation in Spain. This study analyzed 465 tornado episodes and their relationship with various teleconnection patterns, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Arctic Oscillation (AO). In this regard, it is important to note how important it is during these episodes.
Atmospheric configurations indicate that Tornadoes tend to occur in situations where there is low pressure at the surface and a trough aloft. which flows from south to north. This framework is combined with a considerable supply of maritime moisture and a well-defined wind shear, factors that stimulate convective potential. It is crucial to understand how these conditions form in the storms.
- La Mediterranean slope favors tornadoes during the summer and fall seasons.
- In summer, these phenomena are usually associated with local breezes and shallow troughs.
- In autumn, DANA (Isolated Depressions at High Levels) are more common, affecting a large part of the territory.
Tornadoes and Climate Change
Evidence suggests that global warming is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including the development of tornadoes. It has been observed that warming of the Mediterranean Sea surface increases the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, potentially contributing to more favorable conditions for tornadoes. This phenomenon is offset by growing concerns about the effects of climate change.
In addition, warming at the North Pole also causes changes in atmospheric dynamics that can favor the formation of severe storms and tornadoes. Higher temperatures can result in greater convective motion and an intensification of the patterns that give rise to tornadoes, which is an aspect to take into account when studying the places with the most tornadoes.
A 2020 study identified an increase in the occurrence of supercells in Spain, which are the storms associated with the most severe tornadoes. However, the difficulty in collecting consistent and accurate data on these phenomena remains a challenge, complicating projections about how climate change will affect tornadogenesis in the future.
Tornado Records and Projections in Spain
La State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has been working on collecting data on tornadoes in Spain, providing a framework for studies in this area. The information collected allows for an assessment of the frequency and characteristics of tornadoes, as well as a comparative analysis with other extreme weather phenomena affecting the country. It is also interesting to consider their relationship with these events.
In addition, advanced methodologies have been developed to model and predict tornado occurrence using atmospheric variables. Advances in the use of prediction technologies, such as mesoscale simulation models, allow for deeper insights into the conditions that favor these phenomena, thus offering tools to improve early warning and damage prevention.
Efforts to update the tornado database in Spain are crucial, especially in the context of climate change. This not only aims to improve prediction and warning, but also to establish a framework for assessing the risks associated with these phenomena in critical areas, including nuclear facilities.
Historical References to Tornadoes in Spain
Throughout history, there have been notable tornadoes recorded in Spain. For example, the tornado that struck Cádiz in 1671, which resulted in more than 60 deaths, and another notable one in Madrid in 1886 that left nearly 50 fatalities. More recent tornadoes, such as the one that hit Alcañiz in 2003, demonstrate that these phenomena are not just a vestige of the past, but a present reality that requires attention and preparation. Likewise, the history of the most devastating tornadoes offers a perspective on the magnitude they can achieve.
Currently, it is essential to continue collecting data on meteorological events to address the growing concern about tornadoes and other extreme events. Investment in research and collaboration between institutions are vital steps to improve our understanding of and response to tornadoes in Spain, ensuring we are prepared for their possible return.
