Floods in Valencia: Analysis and Impact of Climate Change
On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the Valencia region in Spain was hit by an intense Mediterranean episode associated with a cold drop. This meteorological phenomenon led to torrential rains and dramatic flooding, resulting in a heavy human toll and considerable material damage.
Remarkable rainfall
The rainfall totals observed during this episode reached impressive values in a very short time:
- 491 mm in Chiva, including 343 mm in just 4 hours and 160 mm in 1 hour
- 412 mm in Pedralba
- 306 mm in El Rebollar
- 259 mm in Alzira
- 256 mm in Castelló
- 234 mm in Carlet
- 200 mm in Turís
These figures testify to the severity of the event and the speed with which the water flooded the region
What causes the high rainfall totals in the Valencia region?
The exceptional rainfall totals in Valencia in November 2024 are the result of a combination of natural meteorological factors, potentially amplified by the effects of climate change.
On one hand, the presence of a cold drop at altitude created significant atmospheric instability. This cold drop, which forms when cold air wraps in the atmosphere, leads to drops in pressure and promotes the formation of convective clouds.
On the other hand, the interaction between warm air from the Mediterranean Sea and cold air at altitude created conditions conducive to violent thunderstorms.
The warmth of the sea, enhanced by a typical Mediterranean climate, allowed the air to absorb a large amount of moisture, saturating the atmosphere.
These thunderstorms, fueled by this moisture, often became stationary, a phenomenon frequently observed during such episodes. This means that the thunderstorms remained concentrated over a specific geographic area, leading to torrential rains over extended periods.
Additionally, the region’s topography, characterized by reliefs and watersheds, contributes to rapid flooding, as saturated soils cannot effectively absorb large quantities of water. Finally, climate change exacerbates these phenomena by increasing the atmosphere’s capacity to retain moisture, making extreme rainfall episodes more frequent and intense.
In summary, the complex interaction between these atmospheric factors, maritime humidity, and local topography explains the exceptional rainfall totals affecting the Valencia region.
Impact of climate change
Climate change is an aggravating factor that heightens the frequency and intensity of such heavy precipitation episodes. Here are some key points to consider:
- Increased atmospheric humidity: The rise in global temperatures allows the atmosphere to hold more water vapor. Each degree of warming can increase the air’s capacity to carry moisture, thus increasing the amount of precipitable water.
- Intensification of extreme phenomena: Extreme weather events, such as Mediterranean thunderstorms, are becoming increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change. This results in more violent rainfall episodes and increased risks of flooding.
- Vulnerability of mediterranean areas: Mediterranean regions, such as Valencia, are particularly vulnerable to these phenomena due to their climate and topography. Rapid episodes of heavy rain can cause significant damage, both human and material.
Conclusion
The heavy precipitation episode in Valencia in October 2024 illustrates the growing challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather phenomena. The need for better preparedness, effective water resource management, and infrastructure adaptation is more urgent than ever to address the reality of flooding and rapid inundation in Mediterranean areas.
It is important to note that climate change can influence the frequency and intensity of these events. Studies suggest that ocean and atmospheric warming could increase the amount of moisture available for these systems, making rainfall more abundant and flooding more severe.