Good Morning Britain's weather presenter Laura Tobin has issued a stark warning to British holidaymakers planning to travel to Spain, as the country endures its third heatwave of the summer. During the ITV show's broadcast on Monday, July 20, Tobin advised that temperatures in southern Spain remain well into the 40s Celsius, with nighttime temperatures in the 20s. She noted that the heatwave persists across southern Mediterranean areas and northern Africa, where temperatures can reach mid to high 40s and remain above 30 degrees overnight. In contrast, northern Europe is experiencing fresher conditions, but the south remains hot and humid.
Spain's Third Heatwave of Summer
Spain's State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has warned that the country is expected to enter its third heatwave of the summer, with extreme conditions currently forecast to last until at least Thursday, July 23. Forecasters have not ruled out adding Monday to the official heatwave period if the latest data supports doing so. The intense heat is being driven by an atmospheric blocking pattern, strengthened by a cut-off low to the west of the Iberian Peninsula. According to Aemet, this combination allows a mass of hot, dry air from North Africa, carrying suspended dust, to settle across large parts of Spain and the Balearic Islands.
Peak Temperatures Could Exceed 45°C
Temperatures are forecast to rise gradually before reaching their peak on Thursday, July 23, when some areas in the south-eastern third of mainland Spain could approach or even exceed 45°C. The highest temperatures are expected across Andalusia, the Ebro valley, the north-eastern depressions, the Genil basin, and inland areas of Mallorca, where maximum temperatures could remain above 40°C for several consecutive days. Forecasters have also highlighted the danger posed by particularly warm nights, which can prevent the body from recovering from heat accumulated during daylight hours. The risk is especially significant around midday for people carrying out outdoor activities and vulnerable groups, including older people and those with cardiovascular diseases.
UK Heatwave Continues
While Spain swelters, Tobin also reported that the UK is set to continue experiencing hot weather, though temperatures have dropped slightly. She stated: "We are still in our heatwave, the heatwave 3.0. We are now 16 days into our heatwave threshold criteria. We had 13 days at 30 degrees. The highest temperature was 35... western areas are likely to still just be in our heatwave threshold criteria, holding on for the rest of the week, and it remains dry."
