Spain is bracing for highs of 44C this week as the country declares its first official heatwave of the year, with Western Europe enduring scorching conditions. Swathes of amber and yellow temperature warnings are in force across Spain and the Balearic Islands, with highs of 37C forecast for Madrid, 40C for Seville, and 39C for Almeria. On Monday, Ibiza is set to reach 37C, central Majorca could hit 39C, and Menorca may see 36C.
Red Alerts Issued by Aemet
Red alerts have been issued by Aemet, Spain’s national weather agency, for parts of the Biscay on Monday, where temperatures could locally reach 43C. On Tuesday, red warnings have been added for Liebana in Northern Spain, where temperatures could reach 40C, and parts of Andalusia, where highs of 44C are forecast. The heatwave notice, issued on Sunday, remains in place until Wednesday, June 24.
Causes and Risks
The scorching temperatures are the result of a very dry and warm Saharan air mass being pushed northward, combined with high levels of sunshine typical for this time of year. River valleys, the eastern Cantabrian coast, and the interior of the Balearic Islands will be particularly affected. Forecasters warned that the hot weather poses several risks, including increased fire hazards, while vulnerable individuals such as the elderly should take particular care. Temperatures are expected to drop across the entire country on Thursday, June 24, potentially significantly in central and northwestern regions, although maximum temperatures will still remain high.
Heatwave Across Western Europe
Elsewhere in Europe, France and Belgium are also enduring baking conditions. French authorities have placed 49 of the country’s 96 mainland departments on a level 1 danger-to-life warning, with 35 million people urged to exercise absolute vigilance, according to The Guardian. A level 2 orange alert has been issued for the other 40 departments. Météo-France, the national meteorological service, said: “Very high temperatures are setting in for the long term across the country. Day and night-time temperatures will be exceptional.”
Temperatures are set to exceed 40C in central France on Monday afternoon, while Bordeaux will hit 43C and Paris will reach highs of 39C. Stéphanie Rist, France’s health minister, while visiting a Paris hospital on Monday said: “Many people are going to suffer, because bodies suffer from an accumulation of high temperatures.” More than 800 schools were closed on Monday due to the heat, while one in 10 regional train services around Paris were cancelled over concerns of rolling stock and tracks.
Belgium and Germany Affected
Belgium and Germany have also been experiencing soaring temperatures. The final of the Berlin Open tennis tournament was suspended over the weekend as temperatures hit above 30C, while forecasters have warned that temperatures in Belgium will be the hottest on record.
UK Heatwave
Meanwhile, in the UK, temperatures are set to soar this week with highs of up to 38C forecast. The Met Office has issued a red alert for extreme heat covering an area of south England, in place for Wednesday and Thursday this week, while amber alerts are also in place for the south of England, parts of Wales, and the Midlands from today until Thursday night.
