Intense heatwave approaches Malaga, with the region preparing for searing temperatures
**Malaga Braces for Intense Heatwave During the 2025 "Dog Days"**
Residents and visitors in Malaga, Spain, are advised to prepare for an upcoming intense heatwave, forecasted to begin on July 17. This heat event, known as the "Dog Days" (Canícula) heat event, is a annual climatic phenomenon that characterises excessive heat and dryness from mid-July into early August.
The Malaga region is expected to experience temperatures soaring between 36°C and 40°C during the hottest hours of the day, specifically from 1pm to 9pm on July 17 and 18. Coastal areas could still see high temperatures reaching up to 38°C, marking a sharp increase compared to typical summer conditions.
The Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued weather alerts to signal the risks during this heatwave. An orange alert (second highest) for extreme heat has been issued for the Valle del Guadalhorce and Antequera areas, while a yellow alert (lowest alert) is in place for the Costa del Sol, which includes Malaga’s coastal region. These alerts indicate the potential for heat stress and heatstroke, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and children.
The heatwave follows the passage of a DANA weather system that brought storms and flooding to northern Spain. However, after its departure, anticyclonic conditions are creating stable, dry, and very hot weather in the south, including Malaga.
During this extreme heat, it is crucial to stay hydrated and take precautions against the sun. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and aching limbs. Local authorities have issued warnings about the risks of prolonged sun exposure and dehydration. It is advised to consume lots of water and keep air-con and fans on during the heatwave.
Swimming may become less appealing due to the sudden cooling of the Mediterranean, as the terral wind will cause upwelling, resulting in a significant drop in sea temperatures along Malaga’s coast from 27°C to 19°C by Tuesday, July 15.
The term "Canícula" comes from the Latin word "canis" (dog), referring to the star Sirius in the Canis Major constellation. The heatwave is part of the annual Canícula climatic phenomenon, which brings clear skies, minimal rain, and a relentless buildup of heat, often pushing temperatures to extremes past 40°C in some parts of Spain.
It is important to note that the term "DANA" refers to a weather phenomenon that typically causes torrential rain or hail after a particularly hazy summer. However, the specific extreme peak temperatures predicted earlier in the summer, potentially reaching 46°C in parts of Spain, with combined heat indices possibly over 50°C due to humidity, are less specific to Malaga.
As Malaga prepares for this heatwave, residents and visitors are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy during this period of intense heat.
- Despite the initial passing of the DANA weather system, Malaga may soon face the effects of the "Canícula" heatwave, where the weather will likely be characterized by clear skies, minimal rain, and temperatures soaring between 36°C and 40°C.
- With this expected heatwave and its potential for heat stress, it's essential for both residents and visitors to prioritize safety and health, focusing on staying hydrated, taking precautions against the sun, and following local authorities' recommendations to avoid dehydration and sun exposure risks.
