Berga, in Central Catalonia, recorded 60 litres per square metre of rain on Monday, 27 April, marking the heaviest single-day April rainfall in the city for 55 years, according to meteorologist Aleix Serra.
The intense storm was the second highest daily precipitation in Catalonia, just behind Montesquiu in Osona, which saw 61 litres. This type of heavy downpour is more typical of summer in the Berguedà region, making the April event particularly unusual.
Unseasonal Downpour
April is generally a moderately rainy month in Berga, with an average of 10 to 12 days of light precipitation, Serra explained. The 60 litres recorded significantly exceeds this norm and would be considered notable even in late spring or summer, when the city usually experiences its most intense showers.
Serra attributed the intensity to higher-than-usual temperatures in recent weeks. He noted that warmer conditions allow clouds to develop more dramatically, leading to heavier rain than typically seen in spring. "We have been experiencing temperatures more characteristic of May for weeks now, so it is not as surprising that we are seeing phenomena from that month," he told reporters.
Static Storms and Future Forecast
The meteorologist described the event as a "static storm," which remains over one area, causing heavy and prolonged rain in that specific spot while nearby towns might receive little to no precipitation. This explains why only the Sanctuary of Queralt, with 44.5 litres, registered significant rainfall beyond Berga itself within the Berguedà region, according to Meteocat data.
Looking ahead, Serra anticipates weather more typical for the time of year, with normalised temperatures. However, residents should keep umbrellas handy, as afternoon showers are expected, particularly from Thursday, with potential for more strong downpours. Rain is also forecast for the weekend.
