Abstract

ABSTRACTThe long‐term temporal and spatial characteristics of snowfalls over the Comunidad Valenciana (Provinces of Castellón, Valencia and Alicante) (central Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula) were analysed using a 30‐year period (1981–2010). The average number of snowy days per year was 38.7, and annual variability was pronounced. Annual distribution peaked in January (on average, 8.9 snowy days). By contrast, snow was absent in the summertime. Snow was seen even at sea level in most of the months with snowfall. Orography was seen to be a key factor in the spatial distributions of snowy days (covering the ground surface or not) and in the return periods. Snowfall increased with altitude, but not linearly. Finally, five synoptic patterns were found to be associated with heavy snowfall episodes in the domain studied. In each group, a low (often a cut‐off low) in mid‐levels was identified over Spain or surrounding areas. In most cases (79%), an easterly flow was present at low levels and the arrival of cloud bands from the west was detected in a few cases (21%). The former is more frequent because the air mass becomes unstable during its passage over the sea and can produce heavy snowfalls.

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