Major Spain holiday warning as heatwave brings 40C temps for Irish tourists
Irish holidaymakers heading to Spain in the coming days are being urged to take extreme caution as a sweltering heatwave grips much of the country - with temperatures soaring as high as 40C.
Spain remains one of the most popular holiday destinations for Irish tourists, especially in the early summer with schools wrapping up and families preparing to jet off for some sun, sea and sangria.
However, Spain's meteorological agency AEMET has issued Status Orange weather warnings for several inland regions as the country braces for exceptionally high temperatures - particularly across southern and central parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
The Ministry of the Interior's Directorate General for Civil Protection and Emergencies has warned that the southwest quadrant, the central plateau and the Ebro Valley are likely to be worst hit. The peak of the heatwave is expected Thursday and Friday, when temperatures could reach:
35C in the northern plateau
37C in the Tagus and Ebro Valleys
39C in the lower Guadiana
40C in the Guadalquivir Valley
Meanwhile, nighttime temperatures will also rise, staying above 20C in parts of the south and along the Mediterranean coast.
The Balearic Islands - including Mallorca and Ibiza - are also expected to feel the heat, with inland highs exceeding 30C from Friday onwards. Northern coastal areas such as Galicia and the Cantabrian region will mostly escape the worst, due to cooler northerly winds.
According to AEMET, a mass of hot, dry air of African origin is sweeping across the Iberian Peninsula. This heat surge is being driven by southerly winds caused by a low-pressure system sitting between the Canary Islands and the Gulf of Cadiz.
Along with the blistering heat, dust and haze is expected to affect the southern coast, the Strait of Gibraltar and Melilla, reducing air quality.
The extreme conditions are forecast to ease from Monday and Tuesday, although some regions could see a renewed spike in temperatures later next week.
The Spanish Civil Protection Directorate is advising Irish holidaymakers and locals to follow self-protection guidelines, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Key advice includes:
Irish tourists planning a Spanish getaway are urged to keep a close eye on local weather updates, follow the guidance from AEMET and Civil Protection, and take every precaution to stay safe under the blazing sun.
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