Spain’s weather agency AEMET has issued a rare ‘red warning, the highest regarding heat, for parts of the country as the UK has been warned of a heatwave
Spain declares rare ‘red’ emergency with ‘maximum’ threat posed to UK tourists
Spain has issued an exceptional “red” alert, signalling a “maximum” level of danger for UK holidaymakers. AEMET, Spain’s meteorological authority akin to the Met Office, broadcasted a cautionary message on X, previously known as Twitter.
The agency attributed the scorching conditions to “the persistence of a warm, dry air mass” hovering over vast swathes of the region. It said: “11/08 11:36 Active warnings today and tomorrow in Spain for maximum temperatures, storms, rain, and suspended dust. Maximum warning level: red.”
AEMET further noted that the typical intense summer sunshine is increasing the situation, leading to unusually high temperatures and triggering a heatwave. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here
“[Today, Monday] temperatures are expected to rise further in the Ebro basin, the southern and eastern thirds of the Iberian Peninsula, and the eastern Cantabrian Sea.
“Temperatures will begin to fall in the northwest, most noticeably in Galicia.”
AEMET warned that the mercury is set to soar to 37-39C across the Iberian Peninsula’s interior, reaching into the Júcar and Segura areas and even the Basque Country’s inland regions, where it could surpass 40C in some locales, reports Birmingham Live.
And in the lower Guadalquivir, the highs might exceed 42C, and while less likely, this extreme heat could also be felt in the Ebro Valley and the northeastern depressions, anticipated to be the hottest spots during this spell.
There will likely be “slight to moderate drops in maximum temperatures” across the peninsula from Wednesday, “however, due to the very high temperatures reached in recent days, the heat wave criteria could still be met”.
Britain has already endured three heatwaves this summer.
A mixture of amber and yellow heat health alerts were put in place throughout England during June and July as thermometers climbed above 30C across numerous regions of the nation.
Multiple water firms were compelled to introduce hosepipe restrictions for activities such as watering the garden, cleaning cars and filling paddling pools.