Medicanes—Mediterranean cyclones with characteristics similar to tropical hurricanes—represent one of the main meteorological threats in the Mediterranean basin, capable of producing intense rainfall, strong winds, and severe impacts on coastal areas. The medicane Jolina recently landed in Libya, bringing extreme weather conditions but also providing scientists with a crucial case study.

To improve the understanding of these phenomena, the European Space Agency (ESA) has launched new Earth observation research activities, in which a leading role is played by the Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (ISAC) of the National Research Council of Italy. ISAC researchers contribute to the study of the internal structure of medicanes and the physical processes governing their formation and evolution, integrating satellite data with advanced numerical modelling (Medicanes Project https://medicanes.isac.cnr.it/).

In particular, data from ESA satellites—such as those from the Sentinel-1 mission—make it possible to observe sea surface wind fields in great detail and to analyse key storm features, including the cyclone eye and convective bands. ISAC uses this information to improve the representation of medicanes in atmospheric models and to better interpret their fine-scale dynamics.

ISAC’s contribution is part of an integrated approach combining satellite observations, data assimilation techniques, and high-resolution simulations. This helps overcome the scarcity of direct measurements over open sea and provides a more comprehensive view of these systems, which, although generally smaller and shorter-lived than tropical hurricanes, can reach high levels of organisation and intensity.

The research activities of the MEDICANES project consortium, coordinated by ISAC and with the participation of ISMAR, aim to enhance forecasting and monitoring capabilities for medicanes, with direct implications for early warning systems and risk management. In the context of climate change and increasing exposure of coastal areas, these studies represent a key contribution to strengthening the resilience of Mediterranean regions.

https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO