Cut-Off Lows in the Iberian Peninsula during the last century (1924-2023)
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Abstract
A study of the frequency of Cut-Off Lows (COLs) over the Iberian Peninsula between 1924 and 2023 is presented. The main objective is to identify possible trends, assess the characteristics of these synoptic situations and discern their impact on climate change. For this purpose, a number of variables and metrics of climatic reanalysis have been analysed: number and duration of cut-off low episodes, geographical position, minimum value of the geopotential height at 500 hPa (Z500), season of year and sea level pressure (SLP). The results show a weakening of these events during the last century, with an increase in geopotential height and a slight reduction in its duration, and no significant trend is observed for this type of phenomena in the Iberian Peninsula. Likewise, most of these synoptic situations occur in spring and autumn, being more frequent and lasting in autumn, affecting the eastern half of the Peninsula. This study deepens knowledge of the variability of these extreme events, crucial for the management of natural risks in the Mediterranean sector of Spain, such as floods, severe coastal waves and winds, storms and even heavy snowfall.