The torrential and record-breaking downpours that affected the coast of Baix Camp and Tarragonès on Saturday morning contrast sharply with the extreme drought experienced just a few kilometers away, where 103 days have passed without significant rainfall.
This phenomenon is part of the Mediterranean climate's nature, characterized by contrasting conditions. Historically severe droughts are remembered, alongside exceptionally rainy winters like last year's, which was the wettest in the last 30 years across Catalonia.
Climate change is exacerbating these rainfall contrasts. Despite localized rains on the Costa Daurada, sectors in Ponent and the south continue to suffer an exceptional dry spell. Data from the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya indicates that municipalities like Vinebre or Maials have gone 104 days without exceeding one liter per square meter, and Lleida has accumulated 101.
Despite a warm and dry summer compared to the average, water reserves remain healthy thanks to spring rains. By the end of August, internal basins exceed 80% capacity, and the Ebro basins are over 70% full.
July was one of the driest on record in Barcelona and across Catalonia, marked by persistent high-pressure systems that even prevented the typical afternoon thunderstorms in the Pyrenees. September, traditionally a wetter month, is expected to bring a change in this trend.
