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Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
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.
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Status Orange storm alert issued for Spain as rain & hail to ruin Irish tourists' holidays & worst-hit areas pinpointed
MULTIPLE areas of Spain have been issued with Status Orange storm warnings for tomorrow as wintery weather sweeps across the country. Holidaymakers heading for the sunshine hotspot have been warned to expect heavy rain, hail, temperatures swings and even snow as unsettled and unstable conditions tip the weather balance. 3 Parts of Spain will be hit by rain and storms tomorrow Credit: Meteologix 3 Rain swept across Gran Canaria last week Credit: Alamy Live News Andalusia, Aragon, Castile and Leon, Castile-La Mancha, Catalonia, Galicia, Madrid, Murcia and Valencia have been slapped with the storm alerts from around 12pm tomorrow afternoon. The Valencian community is expected to be worst-hit by the weather. And AEMET, the state weather agency, warned that there is a probability that the conditions will be "accompanied by hail". The forecast is a stark contrast to READ MORE IRISH NEWS AEMET warned that almost the entire country of The miserable weather is caused by a cold air mass making its way across the Iberian Peninsula and a low-pressure system moving in from the Atlantic. A forecaster said: "The week of May 5-11 will bring unstable weather: showers will eventually reach almost the entire territory. 'They will be more abundant in the north and west of the Peninsula. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN 'Temperatures will be low for this time of year. Snow and frost will fall in mountain areas.' Major warning for Irish tourists in Spain as floods ravage holiday hot spot Thursday is also expected to be especially volatile, with dense cloud cover and widespread rainfall forecast across the peninsula and the Balearics. Some regions may see intense downpours, thunderstorms and hail, with places at high altitudes above 2,000 metres warned there could be snow. The AEMET said conditions will be less extreme on the islands, which include several destinations popular with Irish tourists such as , , and TEMPERATURE CHANGE Temperatures will rise across most of Spain despite the stormy conditions. However, holidaymakers have been warned that they shouldn't expect the normal warm weather Spain usually experiences at this time of the year. The forecast said the weather "will remain cool" in general, with temperatures expected to sit below 10C in most of the Spanish mainland. WARNING FOR IRISH TOURISTS IRELAND'S Department of Foreign Affairs has warned that holidaymakers should be prepared for extreme weather conditions that could adversely affect travel plans. A statement advised: " You can monitor information and alerts, including severe weather warnings, on the website of the Spanish Meteorological Agency, AEMET . " Citizens are advised to check the latest weather information before they travel and to follow the advice of the local authorities. " Cities such as Ávila, León, Palencia, Soria and Teruel saw temperatures plunge as low as 2C this morning. Forecasters also pinpointed the areas that are expected to be hottest. The Guadalquivir valley and southern Galicia will have the mildest weather, with maximum temperatures of between 23C and 25C. On Thursday, minimum temperatures are also expected to rise, bringing an end to the frosts. The forecast for Friday is still uncertain but weather boffins said unstable weather with rain and showers is likely to continue in most areas. However, AEMET said that temperatures are expected to rise slightly again and reach levels typical for the time of year. 3 Valencia will be worst-hit by the conditions Credit: Meteologix
Irish Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
Status Orange fire warning issued for long weekend after scorching weather
Members of the public have been warned to avoid lighting fires or barbeques in high-risk areas outdoors this Bank Holiday weekend, with a Status Orange fire warning in effect until next Tuesday. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued the Status Orange warning, meaning a high fire risk, on Tuesday in the midst of a recent warm and dry spell that is set to last through the May Bank Holiday weekend. The hottest temperature ever recorded in the month of April in Ireland was confirmed by Met Éireann on Wednesday, with the mercury reaching 25.8C in Athenry in Galway, equalling the previous record set in Glenties in Donegal in 1984. While temperatures are set to drop in the coming days, the forecast is for dry weather with only occasional showers, increasing the risk of fire spreading, particularly with low humidity and moderate winds. With increased visitor numbers to local forests expected over the May Bank Holiday, Coillte, the body responsible for managing large portions of forest and land throughout the country, is urging the public to avoid lighting fires or barbecues in high-risk areas outdoors and to remember: Do not light fires in the outdoors around forests or open land. Do not attempt to intervene or fight forest fires under any circumstances. Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire. Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location. Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions Landowners and rural users should stay alert, report any suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána, and ensure emergency access routes remain clear. With the weather becoming warmer and dryer, dead grasses, gorse and heather become much more flammable and fire spreads quickly once ignited. These forest fires can be devastating and almost always arise from preventable human activities - whether this be the lighting of barbecues or campfires in wooded areas or the burning of land that spirals out of control. Speaking on the importance of vigilance during both this warning and peak forest fire season, Pat Neville, Communications Manager for Coillte, said: 'Just as more people begin to venture into our woodlands over the spring and summer months, dryer conditions bring a heightened risk of forest fires. In our experience, 99% of forest fires stem from human actions, not natural causes. "While we welcome and encourage increased visitor numbers to our forests that have since reopened after the damage caused by Storm Éowyn, we want to urge caution for both this upcoming bank holiday weekend and the next few months. Please exercise care and refrain from lighting fires in the outdoors. If you see a forest fire, do not approach it and report it to the local emergency services immediately. "Coillte remains committed to safeguarding our natural heritage and ensuring the safety of all individuals in forested regions. By fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility, and by working together we can collectively mitigate the threat of forest fires and preserve and protect the beauty of Ireland's landscapes.' Coillte has warned of the 'far-reaching and severe' ramifications of forest fires, which jeopardise public safety and the lives of those in the Emergency Services and working in forestry who are battling the flames, as well as wreaking havoc on ecosystems, wildlife, and protected habitats. The ecological damage and heightened emissions of C02 pollutants can be profound and enduring, requiring years, if not decades to recover. At this time of year, wildlife is especially vulnerable to fire such as ground nesting bird species. Forest fires also exact a heavy financial toll on forest owners, encompassing the costs of firefighting operations, the devaluation of timber resources, and the expenses associated with rehabilitating scorched landscapes and replanting the forest. Coillte has issued a reminder that forest fires are extremely dangerous, they should never be approached and members of the public should never attempt to extinguish them. Visitors to forest recreational areas are urged to comply with fire safety protocols, respect relevant bye-laws, and ensure that parked vehicles do not obstruct access for emergency services. Members of the public are also reminded that 46 of out 230 recreation sites currently remain closed due to ongoing safety concerns as a result of Storm Éowyn. Coillte has asked for continued patience and understanding as it continues to carry out vital clean-up works. Please respect all signage and barriers, and check for up-to-date information on site accessibility.
