Spain is enduring its first major heatwave of the year, with temperatures soaring to 43°C in parts of the country. The extreme heat, described as the earliest such event in over 40 years, has triggered warnings across the nation.
Forecasters have warned areas including Seville, Andalusia, Cordova and Jaén to expect temperatures of 43°C. Madrid and Barcelona are also under heat warnings, with thermometers predicted to reach the late 30s and early 40s.
The national weather agency Aemet attributed the heatwave to a mass of hot air moving in from North Africa. The suffocating conditions are expected to persist until Thursday or Friday, just days before summer officially begins on 21 June.
Residents have sought relief by cycling through fountains, staying in the shade, or taking to swimming pools. However, for some like 19-year-old pizza maker Simone Roma in Madrid, work continues as normal. 'You work and you keep going because of passion,' he said.
Aemet spokesperson Ruben del Campo noted that while extreme heat in June is not unknown, heatwaves have become five times more frequent in the 21st century. Scientists warn that the climate crisis has likely doubled the probability of such events, which are set to become more intense and frequent.
