Spain faces third heatwave as temperatures climb to 45°C

Spain is bracing for a third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures predicted to soar as high as 45 degrees Celsius in some areas. The Spanish meteorological agency (AEMET) reported that the country has already endured the hottest start to summer since records began in 1961.

The current heatwave is being intensified by an anticyclone trapping dry air from North Africa over the Iberian Peninsula. Forecasters expect the extreme heat to worsen, reaching its peak by Thursday. AEMET warned that the danger level will be significant during the hottest hours of the day, particularly for outdoor activities and vulnerable populations.

This is the third major heat event of the summer for Spain. The country experienced intense heat at the end of June, which broke temperature records across Europe, followed by another heatwave in early July. These prolonged periods of high temperatures contribute to drying out vegetation, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires.

Scientists attribute the increasing duration, intensity, and frequency of heatwaves to human-caused climate change. The article also briefly mentions a separate event: a magnitude 7.3 earthquake that struck southern Mexico, triggering a tsunami warning.

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The danger level will be significant during the hottest hours of the day, and especially for outdoor activities and for sensitive groups.