Cold air inputs and the influence of Konrad
After the recent Borrasca Jana, which is still noticeable, a new storm called Konrad has begun to make its appearance. This storm has been identified by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the atmosphere (IPMA) on Monday night, and is expected to have a significant impact on the climate of the Iberian Peninsula in the coming days.
Impact on the Azores
Konrad will mainly affect the Azores, which have already activated several meteorological notices due to the adverse conditions that are expected. The forecasts indicate that the storm will remain stable, limiting its influence in the Azores region.
Possibility of a new storm
Meteorological models suggest that the interaction between Konrad and the entry of cold air from northern Europe could generate a new secondary storm. If the necessary conditions are met, this new storm would be named Laurence, adding to the existing Jana and Konrad.
Forecasts for the peninsula
Laurence is expected to reach the Peninsula from Thursday, with a journey that would take it from the Algarve coast inland, including Catalonia. This would involve a significant change in weather conditions.
The possible involvement in Catalonia
Catalonia could experience a significant change in time, with rainfall possibilities that could be general and, in some cases, abundant, especially between Thursday and Saturday. The regions of the coast, center and south would be the worst affected.
Winter conditions on the horizon
With Laurence’s arrival, temperatures could fall, remembering more in winter than in spring. It is possible that the rainfall will be presented in the form of snow at lower levels, unlike what was observed with the Jana storm.
A relief for drought?
With the reservoirs already exceeding 41%, a new episode of rain would be well received to combat persistent drought. However, uncertainty about the amount of precipitation that will occur persists.
Winter makes a return
Expectations indicate that the first warm days are still far, with a winter atmosphere that is expected to be established after the storm on Thursday. This could mean frost in the inland regions over the weekend.
