Lorraine Williamson
After weeks of relentless heat, Spain woke on Monday to contrasting conditions. AEMET, the national weather service, reported that fresh Atlantic air swept into the northwest, offering long-awaited relief across northern regions.
But while Galicia and Castilla y León cool down, the south braces once again for temperatures nearing 40°C.
Inland provinces such as Castilla y León saw a marked drop in temperatures, a welcome change after days of punishing heat. For residents and firefighters alike, the arrival of cooler air is more than just a comfort — it could prove vital in slowing wildfires that have forced evacuations in León.
Along the Cantabrian coast and Galicia, cloud cover and light showers marked the start of the day. By afternoon, AEMET warned, rain is likely to spread towards the Pyrenees and into parts of Aragón and Catalonia, where thunderstorms could unleash powerful gusts of wind.
Wildfires remain a concern
The respite may help firefighting teams who have battled flames in parched northern forests. The Yeres-Llamas fire in León, one of the most serious in recent days, highlighted how heat and drought create tinderbox conditions. Cooler temperatures and the prospect of rain offer hope, though risks remain if lightning strikes spark new blazes.
In a post on X, AEMET urged caution: “Very high or extreme fire danger this Monday in most of Spain. Although the heatwave is starting to subside, very high temperatures will still be reached today in the east and south of the Peninsula. Be cautious!”
South still locked in extreme heat
Conditions are starkly different in Andalucia and the southeast. Here, the mercury climbs once more towards 40°C, particularly in the Guadalquivir Valley. Highs of 35°C are also forecast for the Balearic Islands and parts of Catalonia, while even the Canary Islands will not escape the heat. Night-time offers little relief, with some areas remaining above 25°C.
Dust clouds over the Canaries
While skies in the Canaries will stay mostly dry, Saharan dust is expected to drift across the islands. This calima, common in summer months, can affect air quality and reduce visibility, prompting health warnings for those with respiratory problems.
Winds strengthen through the day
Morning winds remain light across most of the country, but AEMET predicts a sharp increase later. Westerly and southwesterly gusts will dominate in central and southern regions, while northerly winds pick up in the east. Around the Strait of Gibraltar, breezes remain unpredictable, and the Canary Islands face moderate to strong trade winds.
The sharp contrast between north and south underscores Spain’s vulnerability to climate extremes. While rain and storms may dampen fires in the north, the searing southern heat continues to pose risks for residents, agriculture, and tourism. AEMET will issue further updates as the week unfolds.
Source: LaRazón.es