Temperatures soar past 40°C as Spain braces for an intense late-June heatwave.
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A blistering heatwave is about to sweep across Spain, bringing temperatures usually reserved for the height of July or August.
According to weather experts, an exceptionally warm air mass will park itself over the peninsula from Monday, setting the stage for what could be the hottest spell of the summer so far.
Meteorologist Nacho Espinós from Meteored warns, “We’re expecting highs of up to 43°C this week.” The recent run of thunderstorms and cooler air will give way to a powerful ridge of high pressure, driving up temperatures right across the country. While the odd shower might pop up in the mountains, most of Spain will be feeling the heat, with only the Cantabrian coast likely to catch a break thanks to refreshing sea breezes.
Seville and Extremadura heatwave: Temperatures soar past 40°C
The mercury is set to soar especially in the south. Seville could see the thermometer nudge 43°C, with Córdoba not far behind at 41°C. In the Guadalquivir valley, some spots could even surpass those figures. Over in Extremadura’s Guadiana valley, many towns will bake in temperatures above 40°C. Even Madrid is expected to see a stifling 38°C, while the Tajo valley is on track for a scorching 40°C.
Experts at Meteored stress that these are “well above average temperatures for this time of year.” Meanwhile, residents along the Cantabrian coast can expect a much more bearable 25°C, thanks to persistent breezes – a welcome relief as the rest of the country swelters.
Is Spain’s June heatwave official yet? Here’s what experts say
So, is Spain officially in the grip of a heatwave? Forecasters say it’s too soon to tell. To declare a formal heatwave, several temperature thresholds need to be met at a number of official weather stations, according to Spain’s Aemet meteorological agency.
What’s clear, though, is that Spain is in for a “very torrid” second half of June, and the current outlook doesn’t show the heat letting up any time soon. However, there’s still some uncertainty about how things will pan out towards the end of the month.
How to stay safe during Spain’s scorching heat
With such extreme temperatures on the cards, experts are urging the public to take precautions:
Avoid direct sun and physical exertion during the hottest hours of the day, and pay special attention to children, the elderly and anyone particularly vulnerable to the heat.
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Tags: Heatwave, weather alerts in Spain