An unusual weather phenomenon will bring typical spring values to the month of January
If you love warm weather, you’re in luck. Spain will experience an exceptional situation in the coming days, with temperatures that could exceed 30ºC in some areas of the country. This anomaly is due to the arrival of a powerful subtropical anticyclone, which will cause a stable, sunny and very mild environment for this time of year. Do you want to know more about this meteorological phenomenon and its consequences? Read on and we’ll tell you all about it.
What is a subtropical anticyclone and why does it affect Spain?
An anticyclone is an area of the atmosphere where the pressure is higher than around it, and where the air descends from the high layers to the low ones. This means that the sky is clear and there is no precipitation. A subtropical anticyclone is one that forms in subtropical latitudes, between 20 and 40 degrees, and which has a large extent and intensity. These anticyclones are responsible for the dry and warm weather that characterizes desert areas such as the Sahara or Arabia.
Usually, subtropical anticyclones stay in their regions of origin, but they can sometimes move to other latitudes, as a result of variations in winds and ocean currents. This is what will happen these days, when a subtropical anticyclone moves from the Atlantic towards the Iberian Peninsula, occupying a large part of the troposphere, the layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs.
What will be the temperatures and the records that could be broken?
The subtropical anticyclone will bring a considerable increase in temperatures in Spain, both day and night. According to Francisco Martín, Meteored expert, record values could be reached in some meteorological variables related to the temperature at 850 hPa (about 1,500 meters of altitude) and the geopotential at 500 hPa (about 5,500 meters of altitude). These variables indicate the degree of warming and stability of the air, and are very useful for predicting the weather.
Thus, it is predicted that from this Wednesday, the maximum temperatures will exceed 20 ºC in most of Spain, and that they will approach or exceed 25 ºC in the south and southeast of the peninsula, as well as in the Canary Islands. Even, 28 or 30 ºC could be reached in specific points, such as Almeria, Murcia or Valencia. These temperatures are much higher than usual for the month of January, and could break some historical records. For example, in Madrid, the highest temperature recorded in a month of January is 19.8 ºC, on the 8th of 2016. This year, this mark could be surpassed.
At night, temperatures will also be higher than normal, but with great contrasts between day and night, especially in the interior areas of the peninsula. This is because with clear skies, the air cools more easily. Thus, there could be differences of more than 15 ºC between day and night in some localities.
What other consequences will the subtropical anticyclone have?
In addition to high temperatures, the subtropical anticyclone will also have other effects on the weather and environment. On the one hand, it will cause stable and rainless weather, which will aggravate the drought situation that a large part of Spain is suffering from. According to the latest report from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), 2023 was the second driest year since 1965, with an average precipitation of 474 mm, 26% below the normal value. This lack of water affects reservoirs, rivers, crops and ecosystems.
On the other hand, the subtropical anticyclone will also cause an accelerated melting of the snow that fell with the storm ‘Juan’ at the beginning of the month. This storm left more than 50 cm of snow in many areas of the center and north of the peninsula, and caused serious mobility and supply problems. Now, with the high temperatures, the snow is melting quickly, increasing the risk of floods and avalanches.
How long will this situation last and what will happen next?
According to Meteored’s forecasts, the subtropical anticyclone will remain over Spain until Sunday, when it will begin to weaken and retreat westward. From then on, the door could be opened to the entry of colder and wetter air masses, which would bring a change in weather, with lower temperatures and possible rain. However, there is still much uncertainty about long-term weather developments, and weather model updates will need to be monitored.
In the meantime, if you want to enjoy the warm and sunny weather, take advantage of these days to go for a walk, do sports or have a refreshing drink. But don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun, drink water and cover up well at night. And remember that it’s still winter, and the weather can change quickly. To stay up to date with forecasts and weather warnings, trust Bing, your smart assistant.