A powerful European storm system brings unprecedented weather conditions to Madagascar, while the European windstorm season intensifies with a triple threat of named storms affecting western Europe.
A compact and stationary area of low pressure brought a sustained period of heavy rain to southern parts of Madagascar this week, with weather stations at Taolagnaro and Toliara recording five-day rainfall totals of 178mm and 196mm respectively, with a peak 24-hour total of 93mm at Toliara. This area of low pressure strengthened to tropical cyclone status on Tuesday and was given the name Elvis. Although southern Madagascar experienced gusty winds owing to the storm, Elvis’s primary impacts on land were the result of the persistent rainfall.
Madagascar's climate is characterized by two main seasons: a dry season from May to September and a wet season from October to April.
The country's tropical location near the equator means that temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year, ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
The east coast experiences a more humid climate due to its proximity to the 'Indian Ocean' , while the west coast is drier and cooler.
Madagascar's interior highlands have a temperate climate with mild temperatures and low humidity.
European Windstorm Season Intensifies with Triple Threat
The European windstorm season continued apace, with three named storms affecting western Europe. Storm Éowyn was bringing strong winds and heavy rain and snow to Ireland and Britain last weekend, while Storm Herminia was named by the Spanish national weather service. This was swiftly followed by Storm Ivo, named on Monday by the Portuguese national weather service. A strong jet stream across the North Atlantic was responsible for the rapid intensification of these systems.
The European windstorm season typically occurs from September to March, with peak months being December, January, and February.
These storms are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential for severe weather conditions.
The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) plays a significant role in shaping the frequency and intensity of these storms.
A positive NAO index is associated with milder winters, while a negative index leads to more frequent and intense windstorms.
Countries most affected by European windstorms include the UK, France, Germany, and Ireland.
Devastating Effects in Spain and France
In Spain, Herminia brought gusts of 96mph to the Picos de Europa national park. Strong southwesterly winds also brought an unseasonably warm air mass to Spain, leading to January temperature records being broken. Valencia recorded a maximum temperature of 27.1C, beating the previous January record of 26.5C. Finistère in north-western France had gusts of 75mph on Sunday, and these strong winds continued into the new week, with much of the west coast of the country put on orange alert for winds on Tuesday.
Spain's climate is diverse due to its geography, ranging from Mediterranean to Atlantic and Continental.
The country can be divided into three main climate zones: the north, with mild temperatures and high rainfall; the center, with hot summers and cold winters; and the south, characterized by arid desert conditions in the southeast and subtropical in the southeast coast.
Average annual temperature ranges from 12°C to 25°C ( 54°F-77°F ), while average precipitation varies between 600 mm to 1,500 mm (24 in-60 in) per year.
Flash Flooding Brings Evacuations in Rennes
The rain from Herminia caused major problems, with parts of Brittany put on red alert for rain and flooding on Monday. In Rennes, the regional capital, about 400 people were evacuated after the worst flash flooding in 40 years. Eight other departments were put on orange alert, mostly for rain and flooding, with the French Alps put on orange alert for avalanches. Later in the week, France was affected by Storm Ivo, which arrived on Wednesday and brought further heavy rain, notably in the west.
- theguardian.com | Weather tracker: Elvis shakes Madagascar after Europe’s triple threat
