Spain issues urgent Status Red warning as Irish tourists endure brutal 44C heat
Spain's meteorological agency AEMET has issued dozens of weather warnings, including Status Red alerts, ahead of temperatures soaring as high as 44C. The heatwave, which began on Sunday, August 3, is expected to continue at least until Tuesday, August 12, creating dangerous conditions - particularly in inland and southern regions that Irish visitors frequently flock to.
According to AEMET, a "stationary synoptic weather pattern" is sustaining a hot, dry air mass over most of Spain and the Canary Islands. Combined with intense summer sunshine, this has pushed temperatures well beyond the usual highs for this time of year.
Today maximum temperatures across the peninsular interior are forecast to reach between 37C and 39C, with some areas expected to hit as high as 42C. Inland Basque Country and parts of the Mediterranean basin are also likely to experience temperatures exceeding 40C.
The heat will remain blistering through Tuesday, with temperatures on the Mediterranean coast beginning to drop slightly. But in the southwest, the mercury may climb to an alarming 44C in parts of the Guadalquivir valley. There is some uncertainty due to possible widespread afternoon thunderstorms, which could influence daytime temperature peaks. Spain weather warnings (Image: AEMET)
Meanwhile, minimum temperatures are forecast to stay very high overnight, rarely dipping below 22C to 25C in southern and eastern areas.
Looking ahead, temperatures are signalled to start to ease from Wednesday, particularly along the Cantabrian coast. However, AEMET warns that heatwave conditions will likely persist in southern and northeastern regions due to residual heat and potential thunderstorms. Canary Islands weather warnings (Image: AEMET)
Worryingly, AEMET says a new upward trend in temperatures could emerge later in the week, especially across the northern half of Spain.
Given these extreme conditions, Irish holidaymakers are advised to take precautions such as staying hydrated, avoiding peak sun hours and monitoring local weather updates.
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