On September 30, powerful rains caused by a local cyclone over the Black Sea hit Odesa. In one day, 94 mm of precipitation fell - 224% of the monthly norm. Due to the risk of flooding, meteorologists raised the warning level three times - from yellow to red. This was reported by 'Glavkom' with reference to the hydrometeorological center.
The cyclone over the sea was moving very slowly, while an anticyclone blocked its displacement. This led to the intensification of atmospheric fronts and local showers, meteorologists explained.
As the danger increased, the warning level was raised several times. Heavy rains in the northwest of the Black Sea are becoming more frequent due to sea warming, active convective processes, and increased moisture in the atmosphere due to global warming. Climatologists note that extreme precipitation is already being recorded in the mid-latitudes, where they were previously rare.
Additional risks are created by urbanization: asphalt and concrete do not allow water to penetrate, turning rain into powerful flows. Studies from the United States and Britain show that in cities with a high degree of development, water flows increase by 20-50% due to impervious surfaces, while climate change makes rains more intense. Adaptation is necessary: the implementation of 'green' infrastructure (permeable surfaces - such as porous asphalt that allows water to filter into the ground, and green spaces) can reduce flooding by a third.
The heavy rains that hit Odesa due to a local cyclone brought significant amounts of precipitation, leading to flooding and an increase in the warning level. Climatologists point to an increase in extreme precipitation as a result of climate change, making it crucial to take measures to adapt cities to such weather conditions.