According to the latest forecast from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), temperatures across eight Spanish regions are expected to soar to between 39°C and 42°C this Thursday, prompting orange-level weather alerts for significant risk due to extreme heat.
Regions currently under orange alert include Andalusia, Aragon, Castilla-La Mancha, the Community of Madrid, Navarre, La Rioja, the Canary Islands, and the Valencian Community. The Canary Islands are bracing for particularly intense conditions, with Gran Canaria under orange alert for maximum temperatures of up to 40°C, especially in the Tirajana basin, and in the southern and western midlands and lowlands, excluding the southwestern coastal strip. In some areas, night-time temperatures may not drop below 30°C, further exacerbating the discomfort.
Meanwhile, the rest of the islands are on yellow alert for high temperatures, expected to range between 35°C and 36°C, or for strong winds. La Gomera has also been placed under an orange alert for wind, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h, especially across the midlands and high-altitude areas on the southeast and southwest slopes.
Mainland Spain Also Affected
Across the peninsula, several regions are facing similarly extreme conditions:
- Andalusia:
- Orange alert in Córdoba, Granada, Jaén, Málaga, and Seville, with maximum temperatures reaching 42°C.
- Yellow alert in Cádiz, Almería, and Huelva, with highs between 36°C and 39°C.
- Aragon:
- Orange alert in Zaragoza for temperatures up to 39°C.
- Yellow alert in Teruel and Huesca for highs between 34°C and 38°C.
- Castilla-La Mancha:
- Orange alert in Albacete, Ciudad Real, and Cuenca, with temperatures reaching 40°C.
- Yellow alert in Guadalajara and Toledo, where highs range from 34°C to 39°C.
- Community of Madrid:
- Orange alert in metropolitan and southern areas, Las Vegas, Henares, and the west, with temperatures up to 39°C.
- Yellow alert in the mountain areas, where temperatures will reach around 35°C.
- Navarre and La Rioja:
- Both regions remain on orange alert, particularly in the Ribera del Ebro, with highs reaching 39°C.
- Valencian Community:
- Orange alert in inland areas of the province of Valencia, where temperatures will range from 39°C to 40°C.
Additional Yellow Alerts in Other Regions
The regions of Murcia, Extremadura, Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Castile and León are under yellow alert for high temperatures, with expected maximums ranging from 34°C to 39°C.
Understanding the Alerts
- An orange alert signifies a significant meteorological risk, where conditions may pose a threat to normal outdoor activities and vulnerable populations.
- A yellow alert indicates potential localised risk, particularly for specific activities or at-risk individuals, but not for the general population.
The AEMET continues to monitor the evolution of this severe heatwave, and residents and visitors across the affected regions are urged to follow official guidance, limit exposure during peak heat hours, and stay well hydrated.
