Spain’s Summer Heatwave Intensifies as Temperatures Approach 45°C
Poinews.com – The Spanish National Weather Service has outlined the forecast: a steady rise in temperatures is anticipated beginning Saturday, with the heatwave expected to intensify starting Tuesday, July 22. The agency notes that the elevated temperatures may persist through at least Thursday, July 23, and could even extend to Monday if data confirms the intensity. This would mark the third heatwave of the season, escalating concerns across the region.
Atmospheric Conditions Fuel the Heatwave
Aemet explains that the phenomenon is driven by an atmospheric blocking pattern, compounded by a cut-off low pressure system west of the Iberian Peninsula. This setup allows a warm, arid air mass from North Africa—carrying dust particles—to settle over much of Spain and the Balearic Islands. The result is a gradual temperature increase, with peak conditions likely on Thursday, potentially pushing some areas to 45°C.
Regions such as Andalusia, the Ebro valley, the north-eastern depressions, the Genil basin, and inland parts of Mallorca are projected to experience the highest readings. Maximum temperatures above 40°C are expected in multiple locations for several consecutive days. Additionally, unusually warm nights pose a heightened risk to health, as they hinder the body’s ability to cool down after daytime heat.
“The country has entered a sequence of persistent heatwaves,” said Hugo Morán, head of Aemet and secretary of state for the environment, during an interview on “Radio 5.” “This situation is making it harder to manage the risk of wildfires effectively.”
The National Weather Service is advising heightened vigilance, especially on Thursday, when the heat is forecast to reach its peak. Concurrently, the likelihood of forest fires is rising sharply, with conditions in mountainous regions worsening due to dry afternoon thunderstorms. These storms, though brief, bring lightning strikes without substantial rainfall—creating an ideal environment for new fires to ignite.
Forest Fires Amid Rising Temperatures
As the heatwave progresses, it coincides with ongoing wildfires. The most severe blaze, which began near Orés in Zaragoza on Wednesday, has now become the year’s most destructive fire in Spain. Preliminary estimates suggest the affected area spans approximately 15,400 hectares, with a perimeter measuring around 60 kilometers. Several towns remain under evacuation orders, and while conditions on Saturday appear slightly more favorable than the prior day, shifting winds continue to complicate firefighting efforts.
A second fire is active in the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara, specifically in the municipality of La Mierla, where flames were reported on Thursday. The regional government delegate for Castilla-La Mancha, José Pablo Sabrido, noted that the blaze is already nearing 6,000 hectares and that officials are pessimistic about its containment. With temperatures climbing and dry conditions worsening, the risk of new blazes is expected to reach extreme levels.
This summer has already broken historical records, with average temperatures between June 1 and July 15 registering 3.3°C above normal. This surpasses the previous benchmark set in 2024 by 0.4°C, a record previously shared with 2015. The convergence of extreme heat and wildfire threats underscores the severity of the current weather situation in Spain.
