Spain is bracing for scorching temperatures exceeding 45C as parts of the Iberian peninsula are poised for another intense heatwave. Aemet, Spain’s equivalent of the Met Office, has declared that the heatwave will kick in on Tuesday, July 21, and persist until at least Thursday, July 23. Hugo Morán, Aemet’s president and Spain’s secretary of state for the environment, conveyed that the country is experiencing a series of consecutive heatwaves.
The upcoming heatwave is expected to impact southeastern Spain, the Guadalquivir valley, the Ebro valley, northeastern depressions, Pyrenees valleys, and inland Mallorca. Aemet attributes this phenomenon to a blocking pattern formed by weather systems over the region, leading to the intrusion of warm, dry air laden with suspended dust. The agency warns that temperatures will progressively rise in the coming days, reaching exceptionally high levels next week.
Aemet emphasizes a “significant or even extraordinary” risk to individuals engaging in outdoor activities and vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with cardiovascular conditions. While the end date of the heatwave remains uncertain due to various factors, Aemet anticipates that temperatures will remain dangerously high until the following weekend.
On Monday, high temperatures are forecasted in the eastern and southeastern parts of the peninsula, including the Balearic Islands, with temperatures ranging from 36-38C and peaking at 40C in certain areas. Tuesday could see temperatures soaring up to 42C in low-lying regions and inland Mallorca, and up to 39C in other affected areas. The climax of the heatwave is anticipated between Wednesday and Thursday, according to Aemet.
As the week progresses, temperatures will continue to climb along the Mediterranean coast, potentially hitting 44C on Thursday. Aemet suggests that Friday may bring a shift in weather patterns, with the arrival of cooler air possibly moderating temperatures. However, there is a chance that the heatwave could persist for a few more days, maintaining high temperatures in many regions.
The Ministry of Health in Spain has issued guidelines urging people to stay hydrated, seek shade, and avoid direct sunlight during peak daytime temperatures. Specific at-risk groups include the elderly, pregnant women, young children, individuals with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers.
This marks Spain’s third heatwave of the summer, with wildfire risks escalating due to extreme heat. Current wildfires in Zaragoza and Guadalajara have been burning uncontrollably, with significant areas already affected. Notably, this summer’s average temperature has exceeded previous records, indicating a notable increase in temperatures across the country.