Understanding Gota Fria (Cold Drop) and DANA: Valencia’s Seasonal Storms Explained
What is a DANA and Why Does it Matter for Valencia?
Every autumn and spring, Valencia faces the risk of sudden, heavy rains and flooding due to a seasonal weather phenomenon known as Gota Fría or DANA. But what exactly do these terms mean?
A Gota Fría — literally “Cold Drop” — is the popular name for what meteorologists call a DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos, or Isolated Depression at High Altitude). It occurs when a cold polar air mass from the jet stream collides with warm, humid air over the Mediterranean. The clash often produces intense downpours, flash floods, and even hailstorms, particularly in late summer and early autumn.
These weather events have left a deep mark on Valencia’s history. The devastating 1957 Turia River flood, caused by a DANA, killed dozens and ultimately led to the rerouting of the river into today’s Turia Gardens. For a look back at other historic storms, see Las Provincias’ summary of past incidents.
The deadliest disaster in recent memory came on 29 October 2024, when record rainfall triggered catastrophic floods that killed more than 200 people, most of them in L’Horta Sud. In response, Valencia has strengthened emergency protocols and is planning new green-space parks to help absorb excess rainwater during future storms.
To stay safe, follow official updates from the AEMET Valencia and Emergency 112 feed on X, which provides real-time, color-coded weather alerts. For context and forecasts, see El Tiempo’s guide to DANA. And if you rely on buses, trains, or the metro, keep an eye on Transit Valencia for service updates during severe weather.
