Characteristics of widespread extreme precipitation events in Peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands: spatio-temporal dynamics and driving mechanisms

Vicente-Serrano, Sergio M. ; Garrido-Perez, Jose M. ; Fernández-Álvarez, José Carlos ; Gimeno-Sotelo, Luis ; Beguería, Santiago ; Halifa-Marín, Amar ; Latorre, Borja ; El Kenawy, Ahmed M. ; Franquesa, Magí ; Adell-Michavila, María ; Domínguez-Castro, Fernando ; Barriopedro, David ; Gimeno-Presa, Luis ; Nieto, Raquel ; Azorin-Molina, Cesar ; Andres-Martin, Miguel ; Gutiérrez, Jose Manuel ; García-Herrera, Ricardo

Resumen: This study analysed widespread extreme precipitation events (WEPEs) across Spain using a high-density network of daily precipitation records, aiming to clarify their spatiotemporal trends and drivers. The findings reveal that WEPEs in Spain show a non-significant trend in either frequency or intensity since 1961, despite the prevailing trend of global warming. Nevertheless, atmospheric circulation plays a key role in shaping WEPEs in Spain, with five distinct synoptic patterns driving extreme precipitation across different regions. Westerly flows associated with Atlantic lows lead to widespread precipitation in northern and western Spain, while cut-off lows generate intense but more localized events, particularly in the east. Jet stream anomalies and moisture transport patterns, particularly from the Mediterranean and Atlantic, further modulate the spatial distribution and intensity of WEPEs, highlighting the interaction between regional and large-scale climatic drivers. These findings highlight the importance of distinguishing between widespread and localized EPEs and the associated atmospheric mechanisms.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1007/s00382-025-07829-y

Año: 2025

Publicado en: CLIMATE DYNAMICS 63, 9 (2025), 340 [21 pp.]
ISSN: 0930-7575

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/CSIC/i-Link2021-LINKB20080
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EUR/MICINN/FEDER/TED2021-129152B-C41
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/PID2021-122314OB-I00
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/PID2022-137244OB-I00
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EUR/MICINN/TED2021-129152B-C43

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)