In this study, the synoptic conditions accompanying the emergence and development of the Mediterranean storm Daniel were analyzed. The storm hit Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey before developing into a Medicane that struck cities in northeastern Libya on September 10-11. 2023, causing the collapse of two dams in the Derna city and death of thousands of people and massive destruction of buildings and infrastructure.
Surface and upper weather maps were analyzed at several levels to track the elements of the two weather systems, and to identify the vertical sector of the air through thermodynamic charts and the interpretation of satellite images.
The study showed that the increase in the sea surface temperature, which broke observation records in July, and the upper cooling flow associated with the shift of the polar jet stream axis to the southern Mediterranean contributed to the formation of a deep depression, which was characterized after days by the appearance of the features of the Mediterranean storm (Medicane) such as weak wind shear, strong convection activity and the appearance of a semi-closed eye with spiral cloud bands.
As the surface sea water continues to warm, the possibility of such a phenomenon recurring in the future is likely.