What is DANA, the weather pattern which caused flash floods in Spain?

Sub : Geo

Sec: Climatology

Torrential Rain in Spain:

Since Monday night (October 28), heavy rains in southern and eastern Spain have caused severe flooding, affecting millions, submerging towns, and cutting off roads.
Flash floods have led to at least 64 deaths in Valencia, eastern Spain.

Rainfall Intensity:

Some areas received over a month’s worth of rain in a single day.
Andalusia, the southernmost region, recorded four times the typical October rainfall.
Spain’s meteorological agency noted rainfall between 150-200 liters per square meter (about 40-50 gallons per square yard) within two hours.

Weather Phenomenon – DANA (Cold Drop):

What is DANA?
- Known as “gota fría” or “cold drop,” DANA is an annual phenomenon caused by cold air descending over the warm Mediterranean Sea, leading to atmospheric instability.
- This instability causes warm, moist air over the sea to rise quickly, forming dense cumulonimbus clouds that release heavy rainfall.
How it Forms?
- Related to the polar jet stream, which separates cold polar air from warm tropical air.
- When a pocket of cold air detaches from this jet stream and meets warmer air over the Mediterranean, DANA forms, often bringing intense rain.

Increasing Intensity of DANA:

Traditionally, cold drops are common in Spain during autumn and spring.
DANA events are now more frequent, intense, and geographically widespread.
Rising global temperatures mean warmer air retains more moisture, contributing to intense rainfall.
Increased Mediterranean Sea surface temperatures exacerbate this; in August, the sea reached its highest recorded temperature.

Source: IE