A powerful low-pressure system is moving towards Greece. Is a medicane on the way?

Is a medicane on the way?
Severe weather in the Mediterranean

Something is brewing in the central Mediterranean: a powerful low-pressure system is developing off the coast of Libya and is set to move towards Greece over the coming days.

WeatherRadar shows the forecastSee the low-pressure system as it moves

There is a risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms. In some areas, more than 100 mm of rain may fall, although most of this will fall over the sea. Gusting winds are also possible.

But is there more to this low-pressure system than meets the eye? At times, it might resemble a tropical cyclone on weather maps. However, as things stand, it is unlikely to qualify as a so-called medicane.

What is a medicane?

The name ‘Medicane’ is a combination of "Mediterranean“ and "hurricane“. These tropical storm-like low-pressure systems mainly form in autumn over the still-warm Mediterranean Sea.

Key ingredients for a medicane:

Warm seawater as a source of energy

Cold air at high altitudes

Humid air prone to thunderstorms

No significant differences in wind speed between ground level and higher altitudes

Enough time at sea to develop

Weather & Radar editorial team

Is a medicane on the way?Severe weather in the Mediterranean

What is a medicane?

Key ingredients for a medicane:

Is a medicane on the way?
Severe weather in the Mediterranean