As the Atlantic continues to produce intense climatic phenomena at the end of the hurricane season, subtropical storm Pattyforming from the Azores, is progressing towards Europe and attracting the attention of meteorologists. Despite its weakening, this storm could cause weather damage, particularly on the Portugal, Spain and perhaps the south of the France. What is the expected scenario, and which regions could be most impacted?
A worrying formation off the Azores
Patty was detected in the region of Azoreswith sustained winds reaching the 95 km/h and a central pressure of 988 hPa. Experts are carefully monitoring its progress towards the European continent. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC)Patty showed east-northeast movement at a speed of 31 km/h, but is expected to weaken in the coming days.
This trajectory could lead it to skim the Iberian coastspotentially affecting the Galicia in Spain and the Portuguese coast before losing intensity. The direct impact in France remains uncertain, but disruptions are expected at the end of the week in the south of France.
Unsettled weather forecast in France from Friday
In France, the weather calm of the week could be interrupted by the indirect effects by Patty. Weather France predicts a deterioration of the weather in the southern regions from Friday, where intense rains could affect an area extending from Perpignan to Montpellier.
Forecasts for the weekend show an extension of the disturbances towards the southwest and the northwest quarterwith risks of significant rain. While Storm Patty will likely no longer have a direct impact once it reaches the continent, it could bring a succession of destabilizing weather systems.
Precipitation and risk of waves on the Iberian coasts
For theSpain and the Portugalauthorities warn of heavy rainfall, particularly in areas close to the coast. According to weather projections, some regions could record between 25 and 50 mm of precipitationor even peaks of 100 mm locally.
Rough seas constitute another risk associated with Patty's passage near the coast. This phenomenon could cause significant waves, especially in exposed areas of the Atlantic. These conditions encourage local authorities to strengthen vigilance on these coastlines.
A month of November marked by storms in Europe?
While November usually marks the end of the Atlantic hurricane season, weather activity remains unusual this year. After Patty, another tropical phenomenon, l’Invest 97Lcould develop into a tropical storm and already bears the potential name of Rafael. This system is currently in the Caribbean, but its development is being closely monitored by meteorologists.
The evolution of these meteorological phenomena reminds us that Europe, although relatively far from typical hurricane zones, can suffer the effects of ex-tropical and subtropical storms. Vigilance therefore remains required for the Iberian Peninsula and the south-west of France.
Patty does not pose a direct threat to France, but its trajectory recalls the importance of monitoring tropical systems which, even weakened, can alter the climate and pose meteorological challenges for the European continent.
