Prolonged Heat Wave in Spain Predicted: Aemet Forecasts Duration Until May 18
Spain is currently experiencing a prolonged heat wave, with temperatures soaring above 40-42°C in most regions. The heat wave, which began in early August, has affected the southern half of the Spanish mainland, the Ebro and Duero depressions, and the Guadiana, Guadalquivir, and Segura valleys, where temperatures have reached as high as 44-45°C.
Regions Affected
The heat wave has caused various alerts, from yellow to red, with extraordinary danger in some parts. The southern half of the Spanish mainland, the Ebro and Duero depressions, and the Guadiana, Guadalquivir, and Segura valleys are experiencing the highest temperatures.
Extended Forecast and Expected End Date
The heat wave peaked around August 16-17, with the highest temperatures during that weekend. Prior forecasts indicated the heat wave might last at least until mid-August, with temperatures frequently reaching the low 40s Celsius. Despite the peak hottest days, the warm conditions were expected to persist through the weekend and possibly until the heat wave's decline after around August 17-18.
Mid-range and long-range models indicate a possible gradual cooling after 17-18 August, though remaining warmer than usual temperatures could extend into late August, especially in interior regions.
Additional Context
The fire risk is very high or extreme across practically the whole country due to the severe heat and drought conditions. The heat wave is part of a larger heat dome affecting not only Spain but also much of southern and western Europe, with record-breaking August temperatures in many areas.
Aemet has issued red alerts for the hottest areas and advises caution especially given the extraordinary danger linked to heat and fire hazards. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) is providing updates and forecasts regarding the heat wave in Spain.
As temperatures start to decrease on Monday, they will still be significantly high for the time of year, exceeding 40 degrees. The new thermal rise will begin on Thursday and will spread to the eastern half by Saturday. The heat wave is causing trouble for the Spanish population and is expected to continue doing so. People are relying heavily on their fans to stay cool.
The heat wave will affect the entire Spanish peninsula, excluding the Cantabrian area. Temperatures in the Cantabric region will start to drop on Saturday. Despite the drop in temperatures on Wednesday, temperatures will remain very high in the southwestern quadrant and in the northeastern depressions, reaching 40 degrees.
The new update from Aemet has extended the forecast for the heat wave, and the new thermal rise will be more noticeable in the northern half of the Spanish peninsula. The heat wave is expected to continue until likely Monday, 18th. However, a decrease in temperatures is expected on Monday in the Spanish peninsula, particularly on the Cantabrian coast. The new thermal rise will continue in the following days.
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- The heat wave, currently affecting various regions of Spain, including the southern mainland, Ebro and Duero depressions, and Guadiana, Guadalquivir, and Segura valleys, is causing high temperatures, reaching as high as 44-45°C.
- As the heat wave persists in Spain, people in these affected areas are relying heavily on their fans to stay cool as temperatures continue to be significantly high for the time of year, especially exceeding 40 degrees.
