Tornadic storms in the Iberian Mediterranean area and Balearic Islands: study of upper air conditions

Abstract

The Mediterranean Area and Balearic Islands, which represent 20% of Spain's surface, there are more than 50% of registered tornadic events in the country. As they are frequent in coastal areas, where there are located high densely-populated cities, their economic and social impact are relevant. Several sounding-derived parameters from 182 soundings associated to tornadic and waterspout environments have been analysed to descript which are their typical values in tornadic storm days. The present study can help operational weather forecasting and surveillance tasks, thus increasing situational awareness in severe convective weather events.