The weather sometimes surprises us with unexpected phenomena. We thought this week would be normal, with higher than usual temperatures and no rain, but the arrival of Ophelia a tropical storm active in the Atlantic hurricane season, brings with it the possibility of significant rainfall in northwestern Spain. These types of events have been analyzed in different storms in the Atlantic, including others tropical phenomena.
The curious thing about this storm is that it doesn't follow the usual path of cyclones, which normally travel from west to east. Instead, Ophelia is heading west towards the Azores, something that has sparked the interest of meteorologists and scientists, especially about hurricane paths.
Ophelia: A singular phenomenon
The formation and persistence of a hurricane requires a warm ocean, generally above 26.5 degrees Celsius. Although the waters in this part of the Atlantic are warmer than normal, they do not reach the temperatures necessary for a hurricane to develop. Ophelia become a cyclone as powerful as those that develop in tropical waters. However, if this storm interacts with cold air in the upper layers of the atmosphere, it could maintain the instability that would favor convection. This could lead to episodes similar to those seen in other tropical storms.
Ophelia's Trajectory and Projections
The trajectory of Ophelia remains uncertain. It is known, however, that it is heading west, and there is speculation as to whether it will make landfall in northwestern Galicia or move towards the United Kingdom. So far, the storm's barometric pressure is 996 mb, with maximum winds reaching 120 km/h. This is a reminder of the dangers that hurricanes can bring, as evidenced by the Hurricane Ophelia when it hit Ireland, an event similar to other devastating hurricanes.
It is possible that by Thursday, Ophelia may reach hurricane status, with wind gusts exceeding 150 km/h. However, if you approach Galicia Between Sunday and Monday, it is expected to arrive as an extratropical cyclone, given that it has formed in non-tropical waters.
The alert is in effect, as the weather situation could change rapidly. According to forecasts, Ophelia It can cause heavy rains, strong winds and dangerous waves on the Galician coast, which reminds us that these types of phenomena are becoming more frequent, as can be seen in the analysis of past hurricane seasons.
Weather Conditions in Galicia
In recent years, we have seen an increase in the frequency of hurricanes deviating from their usual path and heading towards Europe, which could be related to the climate changeThis phenomenon is not new; hurricanes like Harvey e Irma have left their mark in the form of destruction and loss of life. To better understand these trends, it is advisable to consult the analysis on the prevention of more active hurricane seasons in the Atlantic y the world's largest thunderstorms.
The arrival of Ophelia This has raised concerns in Galicia, where meteorological services have begun preparing the population for what could be a significant storm. This includes winds up to 80 km/h and waves that can exceed 5 meters at sea. On the coast, conditions can become dangerous, and there is the possibility of flooding and damage to infrastructure, as documented in other marine storms.
La Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued alerts, and communities are preparing to face the effects of this storm. Vessels at sea should be on high alert, and coastal activities are being restricted to protect the safety of citizens.
Why do hurricanes like Ophelia occur?
Hurricanes form under very specific conditions, including water temperatures exceeding 26.5 degrees Celsius in deep waters. This is why they almost always develop near the equator, where winds and pressure differences allow these low-pressure systems to strengthen, forming the famous "eye of the hurricane." Phenomena such as Ophelia lead us to reflect on the low presence of hurricanes in Spain and how the climate situation could change, as has been observed in tropical cyclones in other parts of the world.
Although hurricanes in Europe are rare, their occurrence appears to be increasing, according to experts. As global warming continues, scientists warn that it is not impossible to see more cyclones affecting the Mediterranean and Atlantic region, which would have serious consequences for the environment and the local economy, similar to what is happening in other vulnerable regions.
Ophelia At one point in its path, it was considered one of the most powerful hurricanes in its latitudes. While its path is unlikely to make a strong impact on the Galician coast, its influence is already being felt in the local weather. Temperatures are expected to rise this weekend, reaching highs of around 30 degrees in some locations.
Rain expectations are uncertain, as often when a hurricane approaches, warm, dry air can limit rainfall. However, as the climate stabilizes, there could be episodes of rain that will eventually help mitigate the droughts that have affected various regions of Galicia, something that can be associated with rainfall patterns in the northern hemisphere.
Impact of Ophelia on the fires in Galicia
The arrival of Ophelia This coincides with a critical period in the fight against forest fires in Galicia. The winds generated by the storm have complicated fire control efforts, increasing the speed of the fire's spread. This has led emergency services to prepare for a rapid response to any eventuality.
With the wind blowing at considerable speeds, the RH has decreased, making it easier for fires to spread. The combination of high temperatures, dry soils and warm winds create a situation conducive to increased fire risk. Forecasts indicate that even greater vigilance will be required, not only because of potential damage to infrastructure, but also because of the public health effects that can result from air pollution, a problem that has been documented in other similar storms.
The weather in Galicia is a constant reminder of the power of nature. Therefore, it is essential that local authorities and the population prepare for extreme weather events, which are becoming a common part of life in the region.
La Galician Meteorological Agency The Ministry of Health has recommended that citizens stay informed through official channels and be prepared for possible evacuations in vulnerable areas. The public should be aware of safety protocols in case the situation becomes critical.
Authorities continue working to improve their response to hurricanes and storms, developing strategies to help the community adapt to these challenges. Planning is key, and this opportunity should be taken to review and strengthen infrastructure that may be at risk in the face of such unpredictable natural phenomena.
