Spain is bracing for its fourth heatwave of the summer, with the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) warning of potentially record-breaking temperatures across much of the country. The heatwave is expected to begin on Friday and last until Sunday or Monday, with temperatures potentially exceeding 40°C in many regions.AEMET has issued alerts for multiple communities, with eight regions already on alert. The agency has activated yellow and orange alerts in 12 autonomous communities, including Andalusia, Aragon, and the Balearic Islands. Some areas are at high risk of forest fires due to the extreme heat and dry conditions.The severity of this heatwave is underscored by AEMET’s statement that ‘if we compare the thermal character of the air mass settled over our territory with the records from 1991 to 2020, it will be one of the hottest, even with record-breaking values’. In some areas, temperatures are expected to be 16°C above normal for this time of year.The extreme heat is attributed to a combination of factors, including a large mass of warm air over the Iberian Peninsula, the arrival of a high-pressure ridge at an altitude of 5,500 meters, and the passage of an Azores anticyclone from the west. This phenomenon is not limited to Spain; Italy is also preparing for its hottest weekend of the year, with temperatures expected to reach up to 43°C in some regions.Authorities are advising the public to take preventive measures to avoid heat-related risks such as heat strokes. Recommendations include staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, and seeking refuge in cool and well-ventilated areas. The public is also urged to be aware of warnings and recommendations issued by AEMET and local emergency services.
Key points
- Spain is facing its fourth heatwave of the summer, expected to begin on Friday and last until Sunday or Monday.
- AEMET warns of potential record-breaking temperatures, with some areas expected to be 16°C above normal.
- The heatwave is caused by a combination of factors including warm air masses and high-pressure systems.
- Authorities have issued alerts for multiple regions and warn of increased risk of forest fires.
