Spain's Heat Wave Extended: AEMET Warns of Extreme Temperatures

The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a new warning regarding the ongoing heat wave in Spain, which was originally set to end Wednesday. The warning now extends until at least Monday, July 18, representing an unexpected five-day increase in the forecast. This extension follows a trend indicating that as of Thursday, significant thermal rises might commence, particularly affecting the northern half of the country, followed by the eastern regions starting Saturday. Temperatures are anticipated to remain dangerously high, possibly reaching between 40 to 42 degrees Celsius in the southwestern quadrant and the Ebro valley. By the weekend, parts of the Mediterranean coastal slopes will begin to experience similar heat, with no immediate signs of relief. Although a decline in temperatures is expected on Monday, AEMET cautions that readings will still be unseasonably high, likely surpassing 40 degrees Celsius in many of the previously mentioned areas. Nighttime temperatures will also remain elevated, with minimums not dipping below 22 to 25 degrees Celsius in significant portions of southern Spain, the Mediterranean coastline, and the Ebro valley. Currently, all seventeen autonomous communities in Spain are under a heat alert. AEMET has declared a red alert—signifying extreme danger—across vast regions, including significant parts of Andalusia. Areas such as the Seville countryside and the Córdoba countryside are at risk of hitting 44 degrees, with the Huelva coastline facing maximums of up to 42 degrees. The Basque Country also faces similar warnings, with expectations for temperatures to exceed 40 degrees in interior Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia. For much of the interior peninsula, an orange alert is in place due to significant risk, forecasting temperatures above 36 to 39 degrees. Specifically, the Guadalquivir region might experience extreme temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius. As the heat wave persists, the public is urged to take precautions to safeguard their health amid these alarming weather conditions. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2