Barcelona more exposed to storms after atmospheric change

The change was detected through a radiosonde launched with a weather balloon from the Facultad de Física. The data show that the stable layer that was holding back the vertical growth of clouds has weakened to the point of almost disappearing.

During the early hours, the air accumulated moisture and energy, but an atmospheric barrier prevented the warm air from rising easily. This convective inhibition acted like a lid, blocking the development of clouds capable of generating storms.

By midday, solar heating had reduced this resistance. The air near the surface then found it easier to rise and feed large, developing clouds—a scenario much more favourable for showers and storm activity.

The radiosonde cannot determine on which street or in which neighbourhood the rain will start, but it does confirm that the atmosphere is ready to react if the necessary trigger appears. Although the air column has lost some moisture, it still retains enough instability to produce intense episodes.

This scenario requires close attention to the sky’s evolution, especially on a day with many outdoor plans. A heavy shower can quickly disrupt traffic, flood some low-lying areas, or leave pavements and public transport access points slippery.

The radiosonde measures temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind at different heights as the balloon ascends. This information makes it possible to observe changes that are not always visible from the ground and to understand why a calm morning can end with clouds rapidly building over the city.

The key will be how quickly these clouds form and the exact spot where they release their rain. Barcelona faces the coming hours with a more active atmosphere, a less stable sky, and urban plans that may depend on how each cloud develops.