Heatwave Alert Across Spain and the Canary Islands
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a warning for a heatwave starting Wednesday, affecting much of the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands, expected to last until at least Sunday, 2nd August.
A series of high-pressure systems will dominate the weather across the peninsula, leading to high temperatures and clear skies. As typical for this time of year, temperatures are set to rise significantly mid-week, particularly in the southwestern river valleys, the Ebro Valley, northeastern depressions, and the Pyrenees.
AEMET warns of a serious or even extreme risk level during peak hours, particularly for outdoor activities and vulnerable individuals such as the elderly or those with heart conditions. Nights will also remain notably warm.
In the Canary Islands, humidity levels are predicted to drop, leading to temperature spikes and dust clouds. Meanwhile, the risk of wildfires will increase due to soaring temperatures, southerly winds, and overall low humidity.
Possible storms could materialise towards the end of the week, and the heatwave might extend into the following week.
On Tuesday, the high-pressure system is expected to strengthen, particularly in the northern parts of the peninsula, while the southern areas may experience moderate temperature increases. By Wednesday, initial high temperatures could reach between 39°C and 41°C in the major river valleys of the southwest, 37°C to 39°C in parts of central Spain, and 40°C to 42°C in the northeastern depressions and the Ebro Valley, where some areas might exceed 42°C.
In the Canary Islands, significant temperature increases are anticipated, with La Palma, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria possibly exceeding 36°C in their inland valleys.
On Thursday, temperatures may drop in the Cantabrian area and the northwest coastal regions, especially in eastern Cantabria, while remaining high elsewhere.
Overall, little change is expected in the rest of the regions, with maximum temperatures likely to stay above 39°C to 40°C in major valleys.
As the weekend approaches, temperatures could reach 40°C to 42°C in southern inland Spain and remain high in the Ebro Valley and northeastern plains. Storms may again form in regions of eastern Spain and the Ebro Valley.
In the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura might experience temperatures above 37°C to 38°C, with potential peaks nearing 40°C on the southern slopes of Gran Canaria.
