Investigation of Mediterranean Cyclones and Their Contribution to Heavy Precipitation over North Africa Using ERA5 Reanalysis Data

Mediterranean cyclones over North Africa were analyzed using CyTRACK and ERA5 reanalysis data for the period 2015-2025.Cyclones were classified by minimum sea level pressure into Very Deep, Deep, Moderate, and Weak categories, and their structural characteristics-including spatial extent, lifetime, and associated synoptic-scale systemswere examined.The relationship between cyclone activity and monthly precipitation was assessed for Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, revealing substantial spatial variability in rainfall response.Egypt exhibited the strongest correspondence between cyclone frequency and precipitation, while other countries showed weaker or inconsistent associations, highlighting the role of cyclone intensity and moisture availability in driving regional hydroclimatic impacts.This intensity-resolved, region-specific analysis provides a comprehensive view of Mediterranean cyclone behavior and its influence on rainfall extremes, offering a valuable framework for improved forecasting, risk assessment, and climate resilience planning in the southern Mediterranean.