Spain issues red alerts for temperatures of 44C in its latest July warning

Catalonia issued its first heat alerts at the red level of the summer, while heat-related deaths were already reported in Spain during the early days of July. Meteocat, the Catalonian meteorological service, has activated the highest alerts for inland parts where temperatures are expected to go over 43ºC on Tuesday. Andalucia meanwhile faces peaks up to 44ºC under the same intense heatwave that began on Sunday, July 5, and will likely run until at least until Wednesday. The MoMo system, operated by the Carlos III Health Institute, recorded 213 deaths nationwide.

Catalonia issues first red-level heat alerts

Meteocat has activated red warnings Extreme heat is expected in Catalonia’s interior from Tuesday noon. These areas face the strongest risk with possible readings above 43ºC. Alerts in orange and yellow cover the rest the region, as temperatures start to rise at midday. They continue to increase throughout the afternoon.

Wednesday is expected to bring even more nocturnal heat warnings with nighttime lows above 27ºC and extended risk of wildfires. Red alerts then extend with temperatures in Barcelona possibly going over 36ºC.

Heat-related deaths in early July: 153 recorded

MoMo data from the Carlos III Health Institute show 213 deaths are attributed to the high temperatures of the first days in July. Catalonia is responsible for 57 deaths in July, while Andalucia registered 24, and Basque Country 18, Other regions, such as Extremadura and Navarra, have smaller numbers.

The system calculates excess mortality by comparing observed deaths with expected numbers. It does not identify individual causes but detects patterns related to extreme temperatures. The majority of deaths associated with extreme temperatures are caused by worsening respiratory, cardiovascular or renal conditions. The figures are updated continuously as late notifications arrive. Final status is only reached after several weeks.

Andalucia braces for peak readings up to 44ºC

AEMET is keeping orange warnings Cadiz and Granada are yellow, while Huelva is orange. On Tuesday, orange alerts will continue to be issued in the interior while yellow alerts are now being sent along the entire coast including Almeria and Malaga. Peak intensity will run until Wednesday with maximums up to 44ºC in the Guadalquivir valley.

Cordoba faces some 44ºC on Wednesday. Seville faces peaks of 43ºC, Jaen will reach 41ºC in the Guadalquivir valley. Coastal Cadiz, Almeria and Malaga are expected to see 35 to 38ºC peaks yet suffer tropical nights of 24 to 25ºC. From Thursday, a moderate drop is predicted in the southwest. However, Cordoba Jaen and Granada are expected to maintain their very high temperatures.

It is believed that atmospheric structures are trapping warm dry weather over the country, combined with strong sun radiation and a west storm front. This set-up produces stability with clear skies, no rain, and increased solar heating. The western storm system interacts with Saharan dust, warm dry air and the southern conditions to worsen them. Meanwhile, the rain deficit last month has increased forest fire risks across Andalucia.

Protection protocols still in place across the globe

Andalucia’s regional government will continue to enforce its protocol on the effects of high temperatures on health until September 30. Catalonia authorities urge residents to take extreme caution during this heatwave due to the health risks. Fourteen regions operate alerts, with the orange level covering Andalucia (and its surrounding areas), Aragon, Castilla La Mancha, Catalonia and Extremadura. Yellow covers seven other regions.