Weather Forecasting in Spain: Understanding Synoptic Situations
1. North Time Situation
Weather Map: The surface weather map for the North Time situation displays the state of the atmosphere at a specific time. Isobars connect points with the same atmospheric pressure. (Date of map not provided)
Cyclonic Action Centers:
- Anticyclone in the Northeast Atlantic, off the Iberian Peninsula.
- Anticyclone east of Iceland.
Depressionary Action Centers:
- Storm north of Iceland, associated with an occluded front.
- Powerful storm over the Nordic countries, related to a cold front.
- Another storm west of Iceland.
Forecast for Spain: This situation channels cold, low-humidity air from the Arctic Ocean (Am). As this air mass moves towards the Iberian Peninsula, its base warms and moistens, leading to snow and cold temperatures. The southeast region remains protected.
2. Northeast Time Situation
Cyclonic Action Centers:
- Powerful cyclone centered over the British Isles, extending its influence over the Iberian Peninsula and Central Europe.
Depressionary Action Centers:
- Powerful storm west of Iceland, associated with a cold front.
- Storm south of Italy.
Forecast for Spain: This situation brings very cold and dry continental Arctic air (Ac), resulting in clear skies and frost.
3. Northwest Time Situation
Weather Map: The surface weather map for the Northwest Time situation displays the state of the atmosphere at a specific time. Isobars connect points with the same atmospheric pressure. (Date of map not provided)
Cyclonic Action Centers:
- Anticyclone northeast of the Iberian Peninsula.
- Anticyclone north of Scandinavia.
Depressionary Action Centers:
- Storm west of Iceland, associated with an occluded and warm front.
- Storm over the British Isles, associated with an occluded front.
Forecast for Spain: This situation channels warm, moist air from the Polar Maritime (Pm) region, causing cold and wet weather with low temperatures, rainfall, and strong winds, particularly affecting the western Iberian Peninsula and Cantabrian coast. Stable weather is expected in the interior.
4. West Time Situation
Cyclonic Action Centers:
- Anticyclone south of the Canary Islands.
Depressionary Action Centers:
- Two storms north and west of the British Isles, associated with an occluded front.
Forecast for Spain: This situation channels warm, moist air from the Polar Maritime (Pm) region, causing heavy rainfall in the western Iberian Peninsula. High pressure and settled weather are expected in the Canary Islands, while the Balearic Islands will experience rain and cold weather.
5. Southwest/South Time Situation
Cyclonic Action Centers:
- Two anticyclones west of Iceland (Pm).
- Anticyclone north of Europe (Pc).
Depressionary Action Centers:
- Deep storm northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, associated with cold and warm fronts.
- Storm over North Africa.
- Storm south of Greenland.
Forecast for Spain: This situation channels warm air from the Polar Maritime (Pm) region, causing cold and wet weather with low temperatures, rainfall, and strong winds.
6. East Time Situation
Cyclonic Action Centers:
- Anticyclone south of the British Isles, affecting the entire Iberian Peninsula.
- Anticyclone in the mid-Atlantic.
Depressionary Action Centers:
- Storm west of Iceland, associated with cold and warm fronts.
- Storm over North Africa.
Forecast for Spain: This situation channels warm air from the Polar Maritime (Pm) region, causing cold and wet weather with low temperatures, rainfall, and strong winds.
7. Cold Drop Situation
Cyclonic Action Centers:
- Anticyclone in the Azores, west of the Iberian Peninsula.
Depressionary Action Centers:
- Storm west of the Scandinavian Peninsula, associated with warm and cold fronts.
- Storm in the southeast.
Forecast for Spain: Cold air in the upper atmosphere contrasting with warm air in the lower layers creates instability, generating heavy rainfall. Settled weather is expected in the Canary Islands.
8. Warm and Stable Weather
Cyclonic Action Centers:
- Anticyclone northwest of Spain.
- Anticyclone over the British Isles, associated with cold and warm fronts.
Depressionary Action Centers:
- Storm over Scandinavia, associated with a cold front.
Forecast for Spain: This situation channels warm and moist air from the Tropical Maritime (Tm) region. As this air moves north, it encounters a relatively cool and stable base, leading to high temperatures in summer and mild temperatures in other seasons.
9. Heat Wave Situation
Cyclonic Action Centers:
- Anticyclone west of Iceland in the Atlantic Ocean, associated with a warm front.
- Anticyclone in the North Sea, associated with a cold front.
- Anticyclone over North Africa.
Depressionary Action Centers:
- Storm over Iceland.
Forecast for Spain: This situation channels hot and dry air from the Tropical Continental (Tc) region, causing heat waves.
10. Summer Stormy Weather
Cyclonic Action Centers:
- Azores anticyclone, west of the Iberian Peninsula.
- Anticyclone in Central Europe.
Depressionary Action Centers:
- Two storms over the Iberian Peninsula.
- Two storms west of Iceland, associated with cold and warm fronts.
- Storm over Scandinavia.
Forecast for Spain: Bad weather and rainfall are expected in the Iberian Peninsula. Hot and stable weather is expected in the Canary Islands.