Spain's meteorological office, AEMET, has issued an 'extraordinary danger' warning as temperatures are set to reach 42C or higher in parts of the country. The alert, shared on Wednesday, July 15, warns of 'very high temperatures in the eastern mainland and the Balearic Islands,' with the mercury potentially exceeding 42C in the Ribera del Ebro of Zaragoza and coastal areas of the province of Valencia.
AEMET's Rubén del Campo told El Pais: 'Given that the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are increasing, it is not out of the question that in the coming years or decades, during an intense heat peak, a temperature of 50 degrees could occur.'
Forecasted Highs Across Spain
The Met Office predicts highs of 42C in Zaragoza, 38C in Valencia, 35C in Madrid, 31C in Barcelona, and 36C in Seville on Wednesday. The extreme heat poses risks for millions of British tourists expected to visit Spain this summer.
Safety Advice from Authorities
Spanish authorities have issued guidance to keep safe. Earlier this month, Spain's Minister of the Interior warned on X that 'the risk of dehydration in summer is real.' The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises checking warnings from AEMET and the European Meteorological Services, and directs travellers to NHS guidance for hot weather.
The NHS recommends the '4-hour rule': stay indoors between 11am and 3pm, the hottest part of the day. Other tips include eating cold food, drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, using electric fans only if indoor temperature is below 35C, and cooling skin with cold showers or wet clothes.
Vulnerable Groups
Elderly and vulnerable people are particularly at risk. Authorities urge checking on those who may struggle in the extreme heat.
