Spain Braces for Severe Heat Wave as Aemet Issues Warning
Aemet warns of an impending heat wave in Spain with temperatures exceeding 42ºC, lasting until at least August 6.
Key Points
- • Aemet warns of a heat wave starting August 1, expected to last until at least August 6.
- • Temperatures may exceed 42ºC in western Andalusia and Extremadura.
- • Tropical nights above 23ºC will complicate sleep for many.
- • Northern regions will also experience significant heat starting Monday.
The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) has issued a warning for an imminent heat wave set to commence on Sunday, with especially high temperatures expected across the country. This extreme weather event is predicted to last until at least Wednesday, August 6, with temperatures surpassing 42ºC in certain regions. Areas such as Extremadura and western Andalusia are forecasted to exceed 38ºC, while hills like Guillén and the valleys of Guadiana and Guadalquivir could see temperatures peak at 40ºC to 42ºC.
Monday is projected to be the hottest day, bringing the heat to the northern half of Spain, affecting locales like Galicia, Castilla y León, and the eastern Cantabrian region. Forecasts indicate that the Tajo and Miño valleys may reach near 40ºC, and southern cities, including Córdoba and Sevilla, might even exceed 42ºC. Aemet has noted that nighttime conditions will degrade as tropical nights with temperatures above 23ºC will complicate rest for many Spaniards.
While a slight cooling is possible in the north by Tuesday, Aemet anticipates that central and southern regions will continue to experience extreme temperatures. The northeastern areas, such as Catalonia and Aragón, are also expected to see temperatures ranging from 37ºC to 39ºC beginning Monday. In the Canary Islands, while temperatures will rise, they are not expected to reach the heat wave threshold; however, very warm conditions are anticipated in the interiors of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura.
Aemet has communicated that there remains some uncertainty regarding the duration of this heat wave, with predictions suggesting temperatures may remain elevated past August 6, particularly in the south.
In summary, Spain prepares for dangerously high temperatures as conditions linked to an Atlantic anticyclone and a warm air influx from North Africa contribute to this extreme heat event.