Spain is currently facing a significant heatwave, with the national meteorological agency, Aemet, issuing special warnings as temperatures continue to climb. The alert system has been triggered following a steady increase in heat that began earlier this week, with officials anticipating the conditions to persist at least until next Tuesday.
An orange alert, which signifies a state of significant danger, is currently in effect for Andalusia, Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, Galicia, and Madrid. Meanwhile, a lower-level yellow warning has been issued for Aragon, Castile and León, and the Valencian Community.
In Extremadura, the orange alert blankets the entire region, with forecasts suggesting temperatures will hover around 40°C throughout most of the territory. The Tagus valley in Castilla-La Mancha is facing a similar outlook, with maximum temperatures expected to reach nearly 40°C. Andalusia is bracing for some of the most intense conditions, particularly in the Guadalquivir valley in Jaén, the Sierra Morena and Condado district, the plains of Córdoba and Seville, and the Andévalo and the coast of Huelva. In these areas, thermometers could climb toward 42°C during the peak hours of the day.
Although the usual pattern places the most intense heat in the south and inland areas of the peninsula, this time Galicia also appears among the regions under an orange warning. Inland Ourense could reach 39°C, while the Rías Baixas in Pontevedra and the southwest of A Coruña are expected to hover around 37°C. In Madrid, the most severe heat is expected in the Sierra, reaching 37°C, while the metropolitan area and the Henares basin are forecast to see highs of 39°C.
In response to the extreme conditions, health authorities are advising the public to avoid direct sun exposure and strenuous exercise during the middle of the day. Officials have emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and urged citizens to take extra precautions regarding the safety of older people, children, and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses.
