Why is it hotter in Dénia than in Xàbia?
Xàbia-Dénia, two towns in the Marina Alta of which are only 7 km away and suffer very different meteorological changes. The two municipalities are separated by the Montgó Massif, the protagonist of this climatic difference.
As always, the most talked about among the inhabitants of both towns, is that if it is hot or raining in Xàbia, in Dénia more. But is this true? This newsroom contacted Toni Bolufer, head of Meteoxabia, to explain the technical part of this fact, which has sometimes exceeded 8 degrees of difference.
Bolufer tells us that the great difference in temperature between both populations is due to the collision of the air with Montgó, «Due to the orography, in Xàbia, the west wind becomes a southwest wind (Llebeig), since when entering through the sea it takes its temperature and softens; On the other hand, in Dénia, as the air has to rise, then when it descends it increases in temperature (Foehn effect) and blows hotter.", causing a feeling of embarrassment.
In fact, on July 1, 2020, TVE echoed in the El Tiempo section of one of those days with marked contrasts between both populations. Its presenter, Albert Barniol, explained that «in the southeast is where it has been warmest. If we approach this area we see the influence of the mountains, the Montgó, 750 meters of mountain range and the difference is notable between the two towns. With 37° (Dénia), in only about 10 km, there was 30° (Jávea). Then Jávea has risen to 33, but look at the difference and influence of the Sierra».
As for the rains, the impact of the clouds with the Montgó causes the same effect; "The Montgó absorbs the clouds, causing them to descend upon reaching the maximum height (different direction in each of the locations) and produce precipitation.", says Toni Bolufer, who adds that although this profile has been mostly met in Dénia, «in recent years it is very equal, the accumulated rainfall figures in the urban area of both towns is barely higher in Dénia, but there is a change of more rain in the southern part of Montgó, the part of Xàbia, which slightly has registered a greater volume with respect to the Dénia area ».
In short, the Montgó joins and separates, at the same time, the two towns, causing thermal and climatological differences.