Estimation of the probable maximum precipitation in Barcelona (Spain)

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to estimate the probable maximum precipitation (PMP) in Barcelona for durations ranging from 5 min to 30 h. To this end, rain records from the Jard´ı gauge of the Fabra Observatory located in Barcelona (1927–1992) and the urban pluviometric network supported by Clavegueram de Barcelona, S.A. (CLABSA, 1994–2007) were analysed. Two different techniques were used and compared: a physical method based on the maximization of actual storms, and the Hershfield’ statistical method. The PMP values obtained using the two techniques are very similar. In both cases, the expected increasing behaviour of the PMP with duration was found, with the increase especially notable for the mesoscale durations 2–9 h, and not significant from 12 h on up. This result seems to be related to the scale of the meteorological situations producing high intense rainfall amounts over our territory.