Dana is still scary. Heavy and persistent rain is forecast for today in the western half of Andalusia, the lower Ebro and the Balearic Islands. The alert, after the extreme rainfall that brought Valencia to its knees, causing over 150 deaths and hundreds of missing people, is at its highest throughout Spain, which has declared 3 days of national mourning. Dana, a scientific term commonly replaced by the more popular “cold drop“, is a cyclone that dumped around 600 mm of rain on Valencia in just four hours.
According to the forecasts of the State Meteorology Agency (Aemet), rainfall will also hit the south-west of the country. Maximum temperatures will increase in the western part of the peninsula, but will decrease in the rest, although minimum temperatures will increase in the south-west and in the Cantabria area, but will not change in the rest. In the Peninsula and in the Balearic Islands, easterly winds will prevail, which will be weak in general in the hinterland, but a little more intense on the coasts, and will arrive with possible strong intervals in the areas of Cadiz and the Balearic Islands, while in the Canary Islands weak winds will blow .
The Provincial Council of Valencia, meanwhile, reported that 366 thousand residents of around twenty municipalities in the province are still without drinking water due to the flood. The Valencia metropolitan area was the most affected by Dana. “Many people who were in the garages, on the ground floors, tried to take their cars out” during the flood, and “there could be some alive among those who find themselves in this situation”, said the Spanish minister Margarita Robles in an interview from the Spanish public television TVe.
#heavy #rain #expected #Tempo
**Interview with Meteorologist Dr. Elena Ruiz on the Impact of the ’DANA‘ Storm in Spain**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Dr. Ruiz. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the devastating impact of the recent ‘DANA’ storm in Spain, particularly in Valencia.
**Dr. Ruiz:** Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. It’s important we highlight the implications of these severe weather events.
**Interviewer:** Can you explain what exactly a ‘DANA’ storm is and how it differs from other weather systems?
**Dr. Ruiz:** Certainly! ‘DANA’ stands for “Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos,” which translates to “Isolated Depression at High Levels.” It is often referred to as a ‘cold drop.’ This type of storm is characterized by a cold air mass settling above warmer air, which can lead to significant instability in the atmosphere, resulting in intense rainfall and storms.
**Interviewer:** We’ve seen reports of extreme rainfall in Valencia, with over 600 mm in just a few hours. How does this level of precipitation affect the area?
**Dr. Ruiz:** Such extreme rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to flash floods. The impact can be catastrophic, as we’ve tragically seen with over 150 fatalities and many people reported missing. Urban infrastructure often isn’t equipped to handle such deluges, which is why we see widespread devastation.
**Interviewer:** What are the forecasts looking like in the aftermath of this storm?
**Dr. Ruiz:** The State Meteorology Agency has indicated that heavy rain is still expected in parts of Andalusia and the Balearic Islands. While some regions may experience a brief reprieve, the threat of additional storms and fluctuating temperatures continues, creating a volatile weather situation that could exacerbate existing conditions.
**Interviewer:** What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of such storms in the future?
**Dr. Ruiz:** We need improved weather prediction models, better urban planning to enhance drainage systems, and increased public awareness regarding emergency procedures during severe weather events. Community preparedness can save lives.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for your insights. Our thoughts remain with those affected by this disaster.
**Dr. Ruiz:** Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s vital we remain vigilant and supportive of those in need.
