News
Head of CEAM’s Meteorology and Climatology Area analyses the recent episode of torrential rainfall in the Valencian Community
- October 6, 2026
- Meteorology and Climatology
Samira Khodayar has contributed to several media outlets to analyse the extreme precipitation episode and highlight the need to advance towards impact-based anticipation.
During the first days of October, the Valencian Community experienced a new episode of intense and locally torrential rainfall, which led to red warnings for extreme risk being issued in several parts of the region.
The episode produced accumulated rainfall exceeding 200 l/m² at several locations across the Valencian Community, with totals of more than 270 l/m² over three days in some areas. The storms were also accompanied by intense electrical activity and, in some locations, torrential rainfall rates.
Against this background, Samira Khodayar, Head of CEAM’s Meteorology and Climatology Area, has taken part in À Punt television and radio programmes, as well as interviews with other media outlets, to analyse the evolution of the event and explain the meteorological processes associated with this type of episode.
One of the key aspects discussed was the role of the Mediterranean Sea as a source of heat and moisture for the atmosphere. An exceptionally warm sea can increase the amount of water vapour available and contribute to more intense precipitation when the appropriate atmospheric conditions are present. However, the location, intensity and evolution of individual storms also depend strongly on atmospheric dynamics and may therefore show substantial spatial and temporal variability.
Khodayar also stressed the importance of distinguishing between meteorological hazard and risk. Rainfall intensity is only one part of the equation: impacts also depend on factors such as exposure, territorial vulnerability, the hydrological response of catchments and the characteristics of the urban environment.
This perspective forms part of CEAM’s research aimed at improving the understanding and anticipation of Mediterranean climate extremes and their impacts.
https://www.apuntmedia.es/programes/tot-per-l-aire/complets/01-10-2026-tot-l-aire-quarta-part_135_1899006.html (minuto: 17:33)
https://www.apuntmedia.es/informatius/les-noticies-del-mati/televisio/video-02-10-2026-noticies-mati_134_1899180.html (minuto 03:15:33)
