Journal Article
Characteristics of widespread extreme precipitation events in Peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands: spatio-temporal dynamics and driving mechanisms
Sergio M. Vicente-Serrano; Jose M. Garrido-Perez; José Carlos Fernández-Álvarez; Luis Gimeno-Sotelo; Santiago Beguería; Amar Halifa-Marín; Borja Latorre; Ahmed M. El Kenawy; Magí Franquesa; María Adell-Michavila; Fernando Domínguez-Castro; David Barriopedro; Luis Gimeno-Presa; Raquel Nieto; Cesar Azorin-Molina; Miguel Andres-Martin; Jose Manuel Gutiérrez; Ricardo García-Herrera
Climate Dynamics · Vol. 63, Issue 9 · 2025
Abstract
This study analysed widespread extreme precipitation events (WEPEs) across Spain using a high-density network of daily precipitation records, aiming to clarify their spatiotemporal trends and drivers. The findings reveal that WEPEs in Spain show a non-significant trend in either frequency or intensity since 1961, despite the prevailing trend of global warming. Nevertheless, atmospheric circulation plays a key role in shaping WEPEs in Spain, with five distinct synoptic patterns driving extreme precipitation across different regions. Westerly flows associated with Atlantic lows lead to widespread precipitation in northern and western Spain, while cut-off lows generate intense but more localized events, particularly in the east. Jet stream anomalies and moisture transport patterns, particularly from the Mediterranean and Atlantic, further modulate the spatial distribution and intensity of WEPEs, highlighting the interaction between regional and large-scale climatic drivers. These findings highlight the importance of distinguishing between widespread and localized EPEs and the associated atmospheric mechanisms.