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A scorching heatwave is expected to hit the Malaga region on Thursday, July 17th.
The Spanish Meteorological Agency, Aemet, has issued yellow and orange alerts in the Costa del Sol and Valle del Guadalhorce regions for heat extremes.
According to Aemet, temperatures in these areas are expected to soar between 36 and 40°C during the hottest hours of the day, from 1pm to 9pm, on both Thursday and Friday. The mercury could climb as high as 38°C in some spots even at the coast, making a sharp rise in what is already shaping up to be the most intense heat episode of the summer in the region.
Malaga province prepares for heatwave with “Dog Day afternoons”
The heatwave is part of the annual “canícula” (dog days), a climatic phenomenon characterised by excessively hot and dry conditions that typically grip Spain the last fortnight of July and the first two weeks of August.
The term “canícula” derives from the Latin word “canis” (dog), referencing the star Sirius in the Canis Major constellation, which rises prominently during this time of the year. The canícula brings clear skies, minimal rain, and a relentless buildup of heat, often pushing temperatures to extremes that can go past 40°C in some parts of Spain. High temperatures and low humidity in Malaga are expected to cause heatstroke or heat stress for some vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children and those with preexisting conditions.
AEMET issues an “orange heatwave alert” for the Malaga region
Spain is no stranger to this midsummer intense heat, but this week’s forecast places 34 provinces across 12 autonomous communities under heat warnings, with some areas like Córdoba, Granada, Jaén, and Sevilla facing orange-level alerts for temperatures as high as 42°C in the shade. Malaga City has escaped the orange warning, for the moment. However, yellow alerts are in place for Antequera and Valle del Guadalhorce.
Even in coastal towns and cities, nighttime temperatures are expected to go no lower than between 24 and 26°C, creating tropical nights that offer little relief from the daytime swelter. The concrete and bricks of the towns will absorb the heat, then radiate it out again. This is sure to cause sleepless nights for many.
This terral breeze will also have an impact on coastal conditions and trigger a phenomenon called “upwelling”. This process transforms surface waters into vapours, which allows for colder and nutrient-rich water to rise. As a result, sea temperatures along Malaga’s coast have already dropped significantly, from above 27°C last week to just 19°C by Tuesday, July 15. Due to the sudden cooling of the Mediterranean, swimming may not be as appealing for those who are sensitive.
It’s also not good to see the daily haze that obscures the coastline. This water vapour, caused by the extreme temperature, will be brought back down in September or October when the cold air from north blows and hits it. It is this phenomenon that causes “Gota Fria”, or “DANA” as it’s more commonly known today, as the atmospheric humidity freezes into torrents of hail and rain. The rains tend to be more intense when the summer has been hazier.
Up until then, intense heat will probably remain the main feature of this week. This has prompted local authorities to warn about the dangers associated with prolonged sun exposure, and dehydration. Drink plenty of water and leave the air conditioner and fans on throughout the week. Drink plenty of water if you feel dizzy, nauseated, or have headaches.
