Scorching temperatures sweep through Spain, claiming the life of the first victim
Spain Experiences Severe Heatwave, Affecting Multiple Regions
Spain is currently enduring a severe heatwave, with the second-highest alert level, orange, in effect across several regions. According to AEMET, the State Meteorological Agency of Spain, this heatwave is expected to last about a week.
The heatwave is primarily affecting the center, south, and west of the country, including Andalusia, Extremadura, Castile-La Mancha, Madrid, and Galicia. Temperatures in these regions have reached extremes, with Andalusia and Extremadura experiencing temperatures up to 45°C, especially in river valleys like Guadiana and Guadalquivir. Nighttime temperatures remain high, a phenomenon known as tropical nights.
In contrast, the Balearic Islands, while not explicitly detailed in reports, generally experience higher temperatures during heatwaves but less extreme than the peninsula’s hottest zones. So far, the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, are expected to be largely spared from the heatwave.
Despite the intense heat, many residents and tourists in Madrid sought relief on the city's streets, with some protecting themselves from the sun with umbrellas or wearing T-shirts on their heads. The pond in the Retiro Park was a popular gathering spot.
On Monday, temperatures above 40 degrees were reached in several locations, with Badajoz and Córdoba in Andalusia recording the highest temperatures, each around 42 degrees Celsius.
The regional government of Extremadura in western Spain reported the death of an 85-year-old man due to extreme temperatures, marking the first heatwave-related fatality of the year in Spain.
AEMET has issued warning levels in 12 of the 17 autonomous communities in Spain. The third-highest alert level, yellow, is in place in another seven regions, including Aragon, Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Navarre.
Precautions advised during this heatwave period include avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, staying hydrated, using sun protection, seeking cool environments, monitoring vulnerable populations, following meteorological warnings from AEMET and local authorities, and being aware of tropical nights where temperatures remain high overnight, increasing heat stress risk.
These heatwaves are part of a broader pattern driven by climate change, which has intensified extreme heat events in Spain, increasing health risks and mortality, as well as stressing infrastructure and ecosystems.
[1] AEMET (State Meteorological Agency of Spain) [2] Spanish National Statistics Institute [3] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [4] World Health Organization
Food consumption should be mindful during this heatwave to avoid dehydration, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with health conditions. The high temperatures and tropical nights could pose risks to health-and-wellness, making it essential to follow precautions like staying hydrated, seeking cool environments, and using sun protection. Additionally, the ongoing heatwave is a reminder of the impact of climate change on food science, as extreme heat events could affect crop yields and overall food supply.
