Storm Kristie and climate change: extreme weather in the Iberian Peninsula
Storm Kristie has battered much of the Iberian Peninsula with heavy rainfall, hurricane-force winds, snowfall, and powerful waves, leaving behind a trail of environmental and social impacts that highlight our growing vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Although a single storm cannot be attributed exclusively to climate change, there are clear signs that global warming is influencing the frequency and intensity of events like this. Analyzing Storm Kristie from this perspective allows us to reflect on the urgent need for climate adaptation and sustainability to protect both communities and ecosystems.
Storm Kristie formed in the Atlantic Ocean and was officially named by European meteorological services as part of the 2025–2026 winter storm season. When it made landfall in Portugal and moved into Spain, its impacts were severe: wind gusts of up to 140 km/h in some areas, torrential rainfall that caused rivers to overflow, and snowfall at relatively low elevations that disrupted mobility and triggered multiple weather alerts.
In Portugal, more than 800,000 households experienced power outages, and fatalities were reported due to falling trees and other storm-related incidents. Across the Iberian Peninsula, adverse conditions led to road closures, school suspensions, and preventive evacuations in several regions.
How is Storm Kristie linked to climate change?
The relationship between a weather event like Kristie and climate change is not absolute, but scientists point out that a warmer climate can intensify extreme weather. This occurs through several interconnected factors: warmer oceans provide more energy and moisture to low-pressure systems, while a heat-retaining atmosphere favors deeper and longer-lasting storms. Recent climate studies indicate that natural variability interacts with global warming, increasing the likelihood and severity of wind, rainfall, and storm events compared to a non-warming climate.
Additionally, the 2025–2026 European storm season has seen several intense episodes beyond Kristie, revealing an unusually active weather pattern that many researchers associate with North Atlantic warming and changes in atmospheric circulation.
In Kristie’s case, its rapid movement and deep low-pressure structure combined wind, rain, and snow across a wide area, affecting coastal communities, inland regions, and mountainous zones.
Environmental, social, and economic impacts
The effects of Kristie went beyond temporary inconvenience. The storm caused incidents of various kinds: river flooding, power infrastructure failures, transport disruptions, and material damage. In areas such as Jaén and Málaga, rising rivers forced preventive evacuations, while in northern and central Spain, snow and wind severely hindered road traffic.
These disruptions directly affect daily life and also have lasting environmental consequences.
Moreover, events like this expose the fragility of natural and urban systems under extreme conditions. Intense flooding can erode soils, alter river habitats, and impact local biodiversity. Damage to human infrastructure, such as power grids and roads, also entails significant economic costs and increased resource use for repair and reconstruction.
Adaptation and sustainability: keys to the future
In this context, climate adaptation becomes essential to protect communities and the environment. This involves not only improving physical infrastructure, but also implementing policies and practices based on sustainability, resilience, and forward planning.
Key large-scale social measures include:
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Green infrastructure such as restored wetlands, riparian forests, or sustainable drainage systems that help absorb rainwater and reduce flooding.
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Resilient urban design incorporating permeable spaces and nature-based solutions to mitigate excess water and wind.
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Updated community emergency plans, including early warning systems and climate risk education.
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Energy efficiency and renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and limiting emissions that contribute to global warming.
At the household level, actions such as improving home insulation, securing outdoor elements, preparing emergency kits, and understanding local response plans can significantly enhance safety and well-being. Sustainability also plays a crucial role: reducing one’s carbon footprint through responsible transport, efficient energy use, and waste reduction supports global efforts to slow warming.
The role of science and climate policy
The scientific community emphasizes that while a single weather event cannot be directly attributed to climate change, the overall increase in extreme events aligns with climate model projections. In other words, the trend toward a more variable and intense climate is part of a broader global change pattern. Addressing it effectively requires both political action and public engagement.
International organizations, governments, and local authorities are promoting adaptation and mitigation strategies ranging from emissions reduction to land-use planning and improved early warning systems. Combined with greater public awareness, these measures can help minimize damage and accelerate the transition toward more resilient and sustainable societies.
