A beautiful European city famous for its architecture and pristine beaches is boiling as the mercury levels sizzle to 30C – in a 38-year high.
The mercury skyrocketed to as high as 30.7C was recorded in Calles, Spain, and in Gavarda, also in the Valencian Community, temperatures reached 30C.
Photographs from this week show residents of Valencia flooding local beachs to sunbathing and enjoying a swim in the sea. Meanwhile, some chose to relax in outdoor cafes, taking full advantage of the unusually warm temperatures.
The exceptionally warm weather neared record-breaking levels, marking the second-highest value recorded at a single observatory for January in the past 38 years, as mentioned in a post on X by the agency.
Numerous other regions in Spain also experienced temperatures in the 20s, with Alicante reaching a maximum temperature of 25C and Granada recording 26C.
Spain’s state meteorological agency AEMET reported that an observatory in the Mediterranean region of Murcia recorded maximum temperatures reaching 28.2C. Numerous parts of the country experienced temperatures climbing to 20C, surpassing normal levels by up to 10C for this time of the year in some areas.
Overnight temperatures also remained warmer than usual. On Wednesday night, the temperature in the small ski resort of Puerto de Navacerrada near Madrid, situated 6,200 feet above sea level and typically covered in snow at this time of year, did not drop below 10C.
Despite enjoying the unusually warm weather, concerns about climate change and the potential for new heatwaves were voiced.
Scientists have connected elevated temperatures and dry, windy conditions in various regions, including southern Europe, to climate change.
Spain experienced the second warmest year on record in 2022, following 2022, with consecutive heatwaves leading to droughts and wildfires.
Some residents and visitors in Madrid expressed surprise at the pleasant warmth but emphasised their belief that it is not entirely normal.
German tourist Thorsten Petersen, 66, told MailOnline: “We’re a bit surprised that it’s so pleasantly warm… And it’s nice for us now, but we don’t think it’s completely normal.”
A local pensioner named Adela added: “Those who say there is no climate change just have to look at what’s happening: it’s either too cold or too warm. I think this is a disaster.”
Footage revealed people shedding their winter coats, with some opting for shorts and T-shirts in the Spanish capital.
In neighboring Portugal, the central district of Leiria experienced the most significant temperature rise, reaching 23C, with the weather agency IPMA anticipating 24C on Friday. In the north, temperatures were 8 to 9C above normal levels, according to reports.
