Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-130
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-130
22 Jul 2024
 | 22 Jul 2024
Status: this preprint is currently under review for the journal NHESS.

The Record-Breaking Precipitation Event of December 2022 in Portugal

Tiago M. Ferreira, Ricardo M. Trigo, Tomás H. Gaspar, Joaquim G. Pinto, and Alexandre M. Ramos

Abstract. Extreme precipitation events (EPEs) present potentially an enormous societal risk and often lead to major human and economic impacts. In the mid-latitudes, such EPEs are often triggered by intense extratropical cyclones and their associated frontal systems. Over the last decade, several studies have shown the important and specific role played by Atmospheric Rivers (ARs) in the occurrence of EPEs in western Europe, particularly in the Iberia Peninsula. In this study we analyze the all-time 24 h record-breaking precipitation (120.3 mm) recorded in the historical Dom Luiz Observatory (since 1863) in Lisbon, Portugal, between 12 and 13 December 2022. A synoptic evaluation of surface and upper-level fields from 5 to 14 December is performed using ERA-5 reanalysis. The week before the EPE, there was a combined effect of a large-scale SLP gradient resembling the NAO negative phase, a southerly position of the jet stream and an above normal positive SST anomalies over the North Atlantic leading to the development of several low-pressure systems at relatively low latitudes, all travelling along the same mean path towards western Europe. The atmospheric river associated with this event was first detected on late 10 December associated with a deep extratropical cyclone. The combination of high Integrated Vapor Transport (and moisture inflow by the warm conveyor belt), with a dynamical component characterized by a suitable uplift motion, allowed the system to evolve and maintain its AR characteristics for 72 h. The extratropical cyclone and associated AR moved northeast towards Iberia, making landfall in Portugal, on 12 December, as an extreme AR event, leading to the 24 h precipitation record breaking event.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Tiago M. Ferreira, Ricardo M. Trigo, Tomás H. Gaspar, Joaquim G. Pinto, and Alexandre M. Ramos

Status: final response (author comments only)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on nhess-2024-130', Anonymous Referee #1, 06 Sep 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Tiago Ferreira, 10 Oct 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on nhess-2024-130', Anonymous Referee #2, 16 Sep 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Tiago Ferreira, 10 Oct 2024
Tiago M. Ferreira, Ricardo M. Trigo, Tomás H. Gaspar, Joaquim G. Pinto, and Alexandre M. Ramos
Tiago M. Ferreira, Ricardo M. Trigo, Tomás H. Gaspar, Joaquim G. Pinto, and Alexandre M. Ramos

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Short summary
Here we investigate the synoptic evolution associated with the occurrence of an atmospheric river leading to a 24 h record-breaking extreme precipitation event (120.3 mm) in Lisbon, Portugal, on 13 December 2022. The synoptic background allowed the formation, on 10 December, of an atmospheric river associated with a deep extratropical cyclone and with a high moisture content and an inflow of moisture, due to the warm conveyor belt, throughout its life cycle. The system made landfall on day 12.
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