DANA, the Weather Phenomenon Causing Floods in Spain

Key Points

• 1Torrential rain in southern and eastern Spain, starting October 28, has caused flash floods, leading to at least 64 deaths in Valencia as of October 30.
• 2The primary cause of the intense rain is likely a 'gota fría' or cold drop, also known as DANA, which stands for 'depresión aislada en niveles altos'.
• 3DANA occurs when cold air descends over the warm Mediterranean Sea, leading to atmospheric instability and the formation of dense cumulonimbus clouds.
• 4The weather pattern is related to the polar jet stream, which separates cold polar air from warm tropical air.
• 5Experts suggest that cold drops have become more frequent and intense in recent years, also spreading geographically.
• 6Soaring global temperatures and rising sea surface temperatures of the Mediterranean Sea are exacerbating the situation.