Unrelenting storms and extreme weather have wreaked havoc across Europe and north-west Africa, leading to widespread flooding and severe cold conditions. Countries including Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Tunisia have faced heavy rainfall, resulting in thousands of evacuations and significant disruptions to transport services. This catastrophic weather pattern has been sustained for weeks, demonstrating the profound impact of climate dynamics on regional climates.
Flooding Crisis in Southern Europe
In Spain, particularly in the southern region of Andalucía, relentless rain has caused river levels to surge to dangerous highs. Over 3,500 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes as more than 100 roads have been rendered impassable due to flooding, landslides, or fallen trees. High-speed rail services have also faced suspension due to the unsafe conditions.
The town of Grazalema has experienced extraordinary rainfall, recording 672mm (26.4 inches) in just a day and a half—an amount nearly equivalent to London’s annual precipitation. This deluge is primarily attributed to Storm Leonardo, marking the sixth significant low-pressure system to impact the Iberian Peninsula this year. Authorities have issued further warnings for heavy rain, strong winds, and mountain snow, indicating that the crisis is far from over.
North-West Africa Faces Unprecedented Rainfall
Across the Mediterranean, north-west Africa has also been battered by extreme weather. Tunisia recorded its heaviest rainfall in over 70 years last month, while Algeria has experienced severe flooding. Morocco has been particularly affected, with the port city of Tangier witnessing rainfall approximately four times its January average. In response, the Moroccan army has been deployed for evacuations amid a red alert for further heavy rain, which threatens to inundate the north-western plains.
As of now, over 100,000 people have been evacuated due to rising floodwaters and swollen rivers. The unprecedented rainfall has effectively broken a seven-year drought, prompting the Moroccan government to expedite investments in desalination technology. The necessity for such measures highlights the urgent need for adaptive strategies in response to shifting climatic conditions.
Bitter Cold in North-East Europe
While southern Europe grapples with flooding, north-east Europe is experiencing an intense cold snap. In Lithuania, temperatures plummeted to -34.3°C (-29.7°F), marking the coldest readings since 1996. Even in typically frigid Lapland, parts of northern Sweden have recorded their second-coldest January on record.
This severe cold has also impacted Ukraine, with Kyiv experiencing temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). The region has seen only six days above freezing this year, underscoring the harsh winter conditions. The chilling weather is largely attributed to a persistent area of high pressure over Scandinavia, which blocks milder weather systems from the Atlantic and redirects cold air down into eastern Europe.
What Lies Ahead for Europe’s Weather
The current extreme weather conditions across Europe and north-west Africa are the result of a stagnant weather pattern that has remained unchanged for several weeks. A stubborn area of high pressure has settled over Scandinavia, effectively obstructing the movement of low-pressure systems that typically bring milder, wetter weather.
As this high-pressure system persists, north-east Europe is likely to remain in the grip of cold temperatures throughout February. Forecasts suggest that this cold air may push into the UK later next week, raising concerns for frost, ice, and snow. Conversely, central and southern Europe can expect continued wet and windy conditions, heightening the risk of flooding and storm-related damage.
There is, however, a potential shift in sight for southern Iberia and north-west Africa. An area of high pressure originating from the Canary Islands may provide some relief, bringing dry weather next week. The longevity of this respite remains uncertain, leaving many to wonder if the relentless rains will ever cease.
Why it Matters
The ongoing severe weather events across Europe and north-west Africa illustrate the pressing challenges posed by climate change. With the frequency and intensity of extreme weather patterns increasing, there is an urgent need for countries to adapt their infrastructure and emergency response systems. As communities face the dual threats of flooding and bitter cold, the imperative for comprehensive climate resilience strategies has never been clearer. The current situation not only underscores the immediate human and economic toll of such disasters but also highlights the need for long-term solutions to mitigate future risks.
