Experts are warning of an unprecedented weather event forming in the Sahara that could bring significant changes to Spain‘s weather in the coming weeks. Rainfall in these typically arid regions could reach levels up to 500% higher than normal, a situation considered highly unusual by meteorologists.
What Caused the Shift?
The last week of August saw a break from Spain’s intense summer heat as a trough brought cooler temperatures, storms, and rain, particularly in the central and northeastern parts of the country. Experts suggest this unsettled weather could extend into early September, potentially resulting in torrential downpours in regions usually marked by summer droughts.
An Exceptional Phenomenon in the Desert
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) has highlighted a rare weather pattern that will lead to heavy rains in the Sahara Desert, a region that is generally “warm and dry due to the subtropical ridge,” a high-pressure system that usually prevents cloud formation and precipitation. Meteorologist Andrej Flis has warned that this deviation is noteworthy because it signals an atmospheric anomaly that is both unusual and extreme.
Impact of the Intertropical Convergence Zone
The unusual rainfall is attributed to the northward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a belt of clouds and precipitation that typically circles the Equator. This zone is responsible for the monsoons in Southeast Asia and the development of tropical storms. Recent weather models indicate that the ITCZ will move northward in the coming weeks, affecting areas of the Sahara Desert that typically receive little to no rain during this time of year.
A Potential Impact on Spain?
If this weather pattern continues, North Africa, including countries like Mali, Niger, Mauritania, Morocco, and Algeria, could experience heavy rainfall. While it remains uncertain whether the cold and humid air masses will reach Spain, experts suggest that there is a possibility of this instability impacting the Mediterranean region, potentially bringing more rain and storms to parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
