Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a warning that this week will be "warmer than usual," with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in many areas across the peninsula. The most significant temperature rises are expected in the interior regions. However, those who have headed to the beach can expect milder conditions, with coastal and island areas experiencing temperatures that are typical for this time of year—warm but not extreme.
Although the first heat wave of the summer has passed, high temperatures are still anticipated in various parts of the country over the coming days. Aemet has activated multiple alerts, particularly warning that Extremadura will see orange alerts in the Guadiana Valley and the Sierra of Badajoz due to temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees. The entire province of Cáceres is under a yellow alert, with temperatures expected to be between 37 and 39 degrees.
In Andalusia, yellow alerts have been issued for the provinces of Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Jaén, and Sevilla, where temperatures could rise to 39 degrees. Aemet warns that the Córdoba countryside may even hit 40 degrees. Interior provinces like Ávila and Salamanca (in Castilla y León) and Ciudad Real, Cuenca, and Toledo (in Castilla-La Mancha) have also activated yellow alerts, with expected highs ranging from 37 to 39 degrees. The Community of Madrid and Ourense in Galicia are on a yellow alert, with maximums of around 36 degrees.
Aemet follows common European criteria, which outline four basic levels of weather alerts based on potential thresholds. These thresholds are determined using climatic criteria, considering what might be "rare or very rare" and the adverse effects they could pose to the population. The levels are categorized as follows:
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Green: No meteorological risk is expected, and no significant weather impacts are anticipated, although local minor effects may occur.
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Yellow: There is no overall risk for the population, but specific activities may be at risk. Staying updated with the latest weather forecasts is advised.
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Orange: An important meteorological risk exists due to unusual weather events, posing a certain degree of danger to regular activities. People are advised to take precautions and stay informed about weather updates, as outdoor activities may be disrupted.
- Red: At this level, there is an extreme weather risk with unusual and exceptionally intense phenomena, presenting a very high danger to the population. Preventative measures are recommended, and individuals should follow authorities’ guidance. It’s crucial to stay informed, as normal activities may be severely affected, and travel should be avoided unless necessary.
Heat waves are becoming increasingly common in Spain, and while Aemet states there’s no concrete evidence yet to determine if they are becoming more severe, record temperature peaks are being observed regularly. The consequences of these heat waves can be dire, with over 2,000 heat-related fatalities reported this summer alone.
For more information about Spain’s weather and safety measures during extreme temperatures, you can visit Aemet.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/espana/2024/07/22/la-aemet-alerta-de-una-nueva-subida-de-las-temperaturas-en-espana-maximas-de-40-grados-y-avisos-por-calor-en-13-provincias/
