From the Guardian · James Michelin for MetDesk · · 1m 20s
Thunderstorms drench Spain as typhoon heads for Japan
Extreme weather is battering multiple continents, from deadly Spanish floods to a tropical storm intensifying near Japan.
In brief
Extreme weather is battering multiple continents, from deadly Spanish floods to a tropical storm intensifying near Japan. Record-warm Mediterranean waters are fueling more intense storms across Europe, while a typhoon is bearing down on Japan. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Spain hit by deadly thunderstorms
Intense, slow-moving storms swept eastern Spain on Wednesday, bringing torrential rain, hail and strong winds. At least one person died as cars and roads flooded across Valencia and Barcelona.
“At least one person dead as stormy weather causes severe flooding in Barcelona and Valencia”
Record rainfall in hours
Weather stations west of Barcelona recorded over 100mm of rain in just a few hours, with 70mm falling in 30 minutes. Flights were cancelled and a La Liga match was postponed due to flooding.
Warm Mediterranean fuels storms
The Mediterranean Sea is at record temperatures, providing extra moisture and fuel to thunderstorms. Spain's east coast is particularly vulnerable to extreme autumn rainfall, as seen in 2024 when floods killed over 200 people.
US Northeast also flooded
A half marathon in New Jersey was disrupted by extreme rainfall, with runners wading through chest-deep water. Connecticut and Rhode Island recorded up to 190mm of rain in 36 hours.
Typhoon Dujuan targets Japan
Tropical Storm Dujuan is moving north-west across the Pacific and is forecast to intensify into a category one typhoon on Friday. It is expected to skirt Japan's south-east coast, potentially affecting Tokyo.
The short version
Record-warm Mediterranean waters are fueling more intense storms across Europe, while a typhoon is bearing down on Japan.
