Europe is set to boil with temperatures of up to 38C in a scorching ‘record-breaking’ heatwave.
Spain’s Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued warnings of unprecedented heat sweeping across Spain this October, with temperatures soaring up to 38 degrees Celsius in several regions.
The unexpected heatwave, reminiscent of summer temperatures, is expected to persist over the weekend, setting new records for the season.
Aemet’s forecast reveals that the mercury will rise significantly in various parts of the country, reaching between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius in southern regions and the Canary Islands. Particularly, the Guadalquivir and Guadiana areas will experience scorching temperatures of up to 38 degrees Celsius.
The cities of Badajoz, Cordoba, and Seville will bear the brunt of this heat, with temperatures reaching 38, 37, and 37 degrees Celsius respectively.
Granada and Jaen will also experience intense heat at 35 degrees Celsius. In contrast, milder conditions are expected in Santander (23 degrees Celsius) and cities like A Coruña, Ceuta, Oviedo, and San Sebastian, where temperatures are anticipated to hover around 25 degrees Celsius.
Apart from the soaring temperatures, stable weather is anticipated across most parts of the country, with partly cloudy or clear skies and occasional high cloud intervals in the west. Some areas, including Galicia, the Cantabrian Sea, parts of the Ebro valley, the northern Mediterranean region, and Melilla, may witness morning low cloud intervals.
The heatwave is set to continue throughout the weekend. On Saturday, minimum temperatures are expected to rise in the Pyrenees and the western parts of the peninsula, particularly in Galicia. While temperatures will drop in Huelva, they will rise in Galicia and the Cantabrian Sea, especially along the north coast and in the Cantabrian Mountains. A yellow warning has been issued for Asturias.
Sunday will bring continued high temperatures across the Peninsula, especially in the Guadalquivir and Guadiana regions in Extremadura and the eastern Canary Islands. Although temperatures might slightly decrease, especially along the Mediterranean coast of Andalusia, western Galicia, and the eastern Cantabrian Sea, the heatwave will maintain its grip.
Relief from the heatwave is anticipated in the middle of the following week when an Atlantic front is expected to bring increased cloud cover, possible precipitation, and a drop in temperatures across most parts of the country, with a more pronounced cooling effect in the north.
This uncharacteristic October heatwave has shattered records, making it the hottest October 3rd in Spain since at least 1950. According to Aemet spokesperson Rubén del Campo, this marked the fifth consecutive day of record-breaking warmth, highlighting the extraordinary nature of this weather event. As the nation waits for temperatures to subside, authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe in the extreme heat.
