Else Beekman
The Spanish weather service, Aemet, has issued an urgent warning for an unprecedented heatwave, potentially the most severe in 74 years. Temperatures are expected to soar to record highs, peaking on Friday, with some areas seeing up to 44 degrees Celsius.
Regions including Andalucia, Aragón, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, Navarra, and Madrid have been issued orange warnings due to significant health risks. Andalucia is particularly vulnerable, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees in Córdoba’s lowlands and Granada’s Genil Valley. Apart from the northern coast of Girona, the southern part of Castellón, the Costa Blanca and a small part of the Murcia coast, no weather warnings are given for the mediterranean coastal areas.
⚠️ Aviso especial por OLA DE CALOR
Los días más adversos serán el jueves y viernes, salvo en la vertiente mediterránea, que lo será el sábado.
Localmente podrán superarse los 44 ºC. Las noches serán muy cálidas.
El calor viene acompañado de calima.🔗 https://t.co/5oDW2GNNos pic.twitter.com/7KzGgTURYY
— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) July 17, 2024
Widespread impact of the heatwave
Fifteen regions have issued special alerts, including Castilla y León, the Balearic Islands, Basque Country, La Rioja, the Valencian Community, and Catalonia. The heatwave will affect not just the south and central areas but also parts of Castilla-La Mancha and the Sierra de Alcudia. Madrid could see temperatures between 36 and 39 degrees. Initially spared, the Canary Islands will also experience a sharp rise in temperatures starting Friday.
Tropical nights and calima
Night-time temperatures will remain exceptionally high, not dropping below 20 degrees and exceeding 24 degrees in coastal areas, complicating sleep. Aemet also warns of calima, a haze of dust and sand that will exacerbate the heat. The heatwave is expected to last until mid-next week.
Potential record-breaking heat
Aemet anticipates several days within the top 5% of the hottest days recorded since 1950. Friday, July 19, might set a new record for the hottest day in 74 years.
End of the heatwave
According to Eltiempo.es, the heatwave may subside by Sunday. However, intense heat will persist in many regions. The northeast and Mediterranean coastal areas will see more normal temperatures, ending the official heatwave criteria. Nonetheless, high temperatures will likely return by mid-next week, potentially triggering another heatwave.
For more information on coping with extreme heat, read: Tips for sleeping well during a heatwave in Spain