NHC monitors subtropical Atlantic storm moving toward Spain and Portugal
The National Hurricane Center monitored a low-pressure system moving from north of the Azores toward Portugal and northwest Spain after it developed subtropical features over warmer waters.
Between Friday 21 August and Sunday 23 August, the US National Hurricane Center included a low-pressure system moving from north of the Azores toward Portugal and northwestern Spain in its monitoring bulletin. Forecasters recorded a 20% peak probability that the system would acquire tropical characteristics. Although some outlets described the system as a hurricane, meteorological analyses confirmed it did not reach hurricane status.
According to MeteoBadajoz, the depression displayed subtropical traits, including a symmetrical clear center, but lacked the organization necessary for full tropical classification. In mature extratropical systems, isolated warm air in the core can sustain subtropical behavior when ocean surface heat fluxes are sufficient. Data from Copernicus shows that ocean waters adjacent to the Iberian Peninsula are 5 degrees Celsius above normal, providing additional heat to the system.
The event recalls 11 October 2005, when Tropical Storm Vince made landfall near Huelva despite prevailing models indicating the region was too cold for tropical cyclogenesis.
If it looks like a hurricane, it probably is. Regardless of the environment or its unusual location.
Scientific studies on this Atlantic basin report progressive tropicalization, estimating increased storm exposure for more than 20 million residents before the end of the century. Spain's state meteorological agency AEMET continues to analyze the mechanics of the depression as it moves across the region.
