Severe weather in Catalonia has entered a new phase. River levels in Girona have surged past records set during 2020’s Storm Gloria. Meanwhile, the torrential downpours of Storm Harry are subsiding. However, meteorologists warn the region is merely transitioning from flood risks to wintry conditions as a new low-pressure system approaches.
The Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat) confirms the upcoming weekend will see a sharp drop in temperatures. Therefore, a new Atlantic front, named Storm Ingrid, is expected to bring snow levels down to as low as 500 metres. Consequently, this will affect areas far beyond the high Pyrenees.
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Home » Severe weather in Catalonia: Storm Ingrid brings snow after record rain
Severe weather in Catalonia: Record-breaking rainfall
The impact of the easterly storm known as Harry has been substantial, particularly in the northeast. In just 48 hours, rainfall accumulations exceeded 200 litres per square metre (l/m²) in several municipalities. For example, Palafrugell recorded the highest figure with 215 l/m². Meanwhile, Portbou saw 181 l/m², making it the wettest day in the town since 2006.
These deluges placed immense pressure on local river systems. The Daró river reached a peak flow of more than 500 cubic metres per second at La Bisbal d’Empordà. This figure surpasses the maximum flow recorded during the devastating Storm Gloria six years ago. In addition, it exceeds the typical flow of the Ebro river at Tortosa. The Catalan government has highlighted the importance of managing water stability in internal basins following these exceptional inflows.
Severe weather forecast: Storm Ingrid approaches
Although Thursday offers a brief respite with only scattered showers in the morning, the weather will remain unstable. Furthermore, gusts of wind are expected to intensify at the extremes of the region. This is particularly true in the Ebro Delta and the Empordà area.
The arrival of Storm Ingrid this weekend will bring a distinct change in conditions. Unlike the warm, wet easterly winds of Harry, this Atlantic system will introduce a mass of cold air. Consequently, rainfall is forecast for central and northern areas on Saturday. It will concentrate on the Pyrenees by Sunday.
Snowfall is expected to be significant. The snow line will plummet to between 500 and 800 metres in general. Moreover, snow will fall at all elevations in the Pyrenees. This adds to an already impressive accumulation. Recent days have seen over a metre of fresh snow in Boí and the Cadí Nord. Therefore, this creates exceptional winter conditions in the mountains.
Severe weather impact on the Catalan coast
The coastal impact has been equally severe. The storm generated enormous waves along the littoral zone. On Tuesday, a wave height of 10 metres was recorded offshore at the Begur buoy in Baix Empordà. Even the city of Barcelona was not spared, registering waves exceeding 7 metres near the coast.
Meteocat maintains alerts for strong wind gusts in affected zones as the weather pattern shifts. Residents are advised to monitor official updates. This is particularly important regarding road conditions in areas where the snow level is expected to drop significantly over the weekend. These weather events underscore the importance of local adaptation projects. For instance, the new climate-resilient green space at the mouth of the Besòs River is a key example. For more information on severe weather patterns, you can refer to the Meteocat website.
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