Spain is again boiling: Brutal Heatwave puts almost 1,000 towns on alert

Here we go again. Spain is officially suffering from a brutal summer heatwave.

The Spanish authorities have placed nearly 1,000 towns on high alert for health and urged millions of people to take precautions when temperatures rise above 40C.

According to AEMET’s (Spanish State Meteorological Agency), temperatures in the south are expected to reach a stunning 42C, especially in valleys such as the Guadalquivir and Guadiana.

The nighttime temperatures are not much better, as much of the peninsula will still be uncomfortable, even at sunset.

Spain on alert – 949 towns with “high risk of disease”

On Sunday, August 3rd, 949 municipalities were flagged as “high risk” for health, while another 1,475 were at a medium risk. This was based on a combination between temperature forecasts, and health data.

The Spanish Ministry of Health has a system of “meteosalud zones” To issue alerts in areas where history shows a direct link between extreme heat and higher mortality.

This heatwave’s duration is even more alarming. Depending on how long current atmospheric conditions last, it could continue until next Sunday (10th August). A hot and dry air mass has moved from North Africa across the peninsula. It is trapped by the Atlantic high pressure system, a DANA storm system in the West, creating the perfect storm to cause prolonged scorching.

The night will be torrid

Health experts are not only concerned about the high temperatures of the day. Minimum nighttime temperatures are forecast to hover around 23–25C across central and southern Spain. Particularly uncomfortable are vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses.

Officials from the public health department warn: “This type of persistent heat will push your body to its limit.” Even healthy people can suffer from dangerous symptoms such as heat stroke, fatigue and dehydration.

Public safety is a matter of concern

Why does it matter? According to a study conducted by the Carlos III Institute of Health, mortality rates increase sharply in certain regions when temperatures exceed a certain threshold. A study by the Carlos III Institute of Health found that 182 “meteosalud” Zones have been established, and alerts will be triggered if it is statistically proven that persistent heat increases the mortality rate.

Today, 16 areas are at maximum alert (Level 3), and 29 at Level 2. The risks increase each day that the heat continues.

From May 16 to July 13, 1180 deaths in Spain were caused by heat. EWN reported.

It’s not just the South of Spain

While the south is on fire, heat is also creeping up north. Extreme temperatures will reach northern Spain’s interior by Monday and Tuesday (August 4 and 5), including the Cantabrian Coast, which is more accustomed to a breezy summer than saharan blasts.

Even the Canary Islands have been feeling the heat. Even though they don’t fit the strict definition of a heatwave they are experiencing unseasonably hot temperatures that have led to yellow alerts.

What you can Do

Authorities urge people to be vigilant, particularly between the hours of 12pm and 6pm, when sunlight is at its strongest. Recommendations are:

• Avoid outdoor activities during the hot hours.
• Even if you are not thirsty, drink water often.
• Light meals are a good idea.
• Keep blinds closed throughout the day.
• Never leave children, the elderly or pets in parked vehicles.

Likewise, the Spanish Health Ministry activated a national heat-action plan coordinated with regional hospitals and care homes.