Spain braces for third heatwave with highs above 40 degrees Celsius

Spain is preparing for its third heatwave of the summer, with the national weather office forecasting temperatures to climb above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) across large parts of the country starting Tuesday, July 21. The intense heat is driven by a persistent area of high pressure originating from North Africa, which is trapping hot, dry air over the Iberian Peninsula for several days.

The heat is expected to peak by Thursday, with some isolated areas potentially reaching over 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). The national weather agency, AEMET, warned that the danger level will be significant during the central hours of the day, particularly for outdoor activities and vulnerable populations.

This anticipated heatwave follows an already record-breaking summer for Spain. The country endured two previous heatwaves in late June and early July. Mainland Spain recorded its hottest first half of summer since records began in 1961, with average temperatures from June 1 to July 15 reaching 24.5 degrees Celsius (76.1 degrees Fahrenheit), a significant 3.3 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 reference period average.

Scientists link the increasing length, intensity, and frequency of heatwaves to human-driven climate change. These conditions dry out vegetation, significantly raising the risk of wildfires. Earlier this month, a severe blaze in the southeastern province of Almeria resulted in 13 fatalities, marking Spain's deadliest wildfire in recent years.

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The level of danger will be significant during the central hours of the day, especially for outdoor activities and vulnerable people.