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What's an explosive cyclamesis?

The arrival of 'Goretti' depression has put the weather phenomenon back in the spotlight.

GRAFCAV7358. SAN SEBASTIÁN (ESPAÑA), 03/12/2025.- Los cielos en el País Vasco se presentan este miércoles nubosos con chubascos, especialmente en el litoral, donde podrán ser tormentosos, la cota de nieve subirá desde los 1.000 hasta los 1.200 metros, las temperaturas descenderán y el viento soplará del oeste, con rachas fuertes en zonas expuestas. El estado de la mar, en el Cantábrico hasta las veinte millas, será de marejada a fuerte marejada, la mar de fondo del noroeste levantará olas en torno a 3 o 3,5 metros de altura y el viento soplará del oeste, fuerza 4 a 5. EFE/Juan Herrero. — Explosive cyclamesis. Photo: EFE/Juan Herrero.

EITB

2026/01/08 - 08:59

Updated

2026/01/08 - 08:59

Explosive cyclamesis Goretti will affect Western Europe this week and will also affect the Basque Country. It usually causes names, odes, alarm and confusion, i.e. explosive cyclamesis.

We shall then explain clearly and easily what this phenomenon consists of.

What does explosive cyclamesis mean?

This is thetechnical term used by meteorologists to describe the process of a very rapid depression, that is, when the central pressure drops sharply in a very short time. In fact, it occurs when the central pressure of the depressionfalls by more than 20 milesin 24 hours.

How does this phenomenon come about?

It occurs when very different masses of air interact, such as a hot front and a very cold front, and when conditions are in place to suddenly reinforce a depression in the upper layers of the atmosphere.

What effects does it have on the Earth's surface?

Explosive cyclamesis, in itself, does not cause bad weather, but a depression that is reinforced jada ,which can produce very strong winds, heavy rains, snowfall and strong sea storm in a short time.