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| Spain Hit by Hot Weather of Up to 44°C - ilustration by express.co.uk |
PALMA, SPAIN - Spain is enduring one of the most intense heatwaves in its modern history, with meteorologists warning that temperatures could climb as high as 44 degrees Celsius in several regions. The extreme weather event, fueled by a powerful heat dome and scorching air masses from the Sahara Desert, has pushed large parts of the country into high-alert status and raised concerns across Europe.
According to Spain's State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), Tuesday was expected to become the hottest day ever recorded during the month of June in many parts of the country. The agency issued its highest-level weather warnings for several areas, including Andalusia, the Basque Country, and Cantabria, where temperatures were forecast to reach dangerous levels.
Authorities warned that temperatures could peak at 44°C in some regions, creating serious health risks, particularly for children, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Large Areas of Spain Exceeding 40°C
Forecasts indicated that approximately 17 of Spain's 50 provincial capitals would experience temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Such widespread extreme heat is unusual even during the peak of summer, making the current conditions particularly alarming for meteorologists and public health officials.
In addition to the intense daytime heat, Spain is also experiencing what experts describe as "tropical nights." During these events, temperatures remain above 20 degrees Celsius throughout the night, preventing buildings and urban environments from cooling down effectively. As a result, residents face prolonged exposure to heat with little relief even after sunset.
"Tuesday could become the hottest day ever recorded in June and may approach the highest temperatures ever observed in Spain's history."
— RTVE Meteorologist Marc Santandreu
Historic Temperature Records Continue to Fall
The heatwave began on Sunday and has already broken multiple temperature records across the country. Meteorological observations show that several regions have experienced exceptionally high nighttime temperatures rarely seen during June.
AEMET reported that nighttime temperatures in parts of southeastern Spain remained above 30 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days. Such an event has never previously been documented during June on the Iberian Peninsula, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the current heatwave.
Meanwhile, the Mediterranean city of Palma de Mallorca recorded the hottest June night since local weather observations began, adding another milestone to the growing list of climate-related records being shattered this year.
Sunday
The heatwave officially began, bringing rapidly rising temperatures across Spain.
Monday
Multiple regions reported record-breaking daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Tuesday
Meteorologists warned that the day could become the hottest June day ever recorded in several parts of Spain.
What Is Causing the Extreme Heat?
Meteorologists attribute the heatwave primarily to a powerful heat dome stretching across much of Western Europe. A heat dome occurs when a strong high-pressure system traps hot air beneath it, preventing cooler air from entering the region and allowing temperatures to build for days.
The situation has been intensified by the arrival of exceptionally hot and dry air from the Sahara Desert. According to AEMET, atmospheric conditions over Europe have created a pathway that allows Saharan air masses to move northward toward the Iberian Peninsula.
A strong high-pressure system positioned over continental Europe, combined with a low-pressure system west of the Iberian Peninsula, has effectively channeled desert air toward Spain and neighboring countries. The result is an extended period of extreme temperatures accompanied by very dry conditions.
What is a Heat Dome?
A heat dome is a weather phenomenon in which a high-pressure system traps hot air near the Earth's surface. The trapped air continues to warm under strong sunlight, causing temperatures to rise dramatically and remain elevated for extended periods.
Why Are Tropical Nights Dangerous?
Tropical nights reduce the body's ability to recover from daytime heat stress. They can increase the risk of dehydration, sleep disruption, and heat-related illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations.
Climate Change's Growing Influence
Scientists increasingly view extreme heat events as one of the clearest indicators of a warming climate. Analysis from the Climate Shift Index suggests that climate change has made this particular heatwave at least five times more likely to occur than it would have been under historical climate conditions.
Rising global temperatures are contributing to more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense heatwaves worldwide. While natural weather patterns continue to play a role, researchers emphasize that climate change is amplifying their severity and increasing the likelihood of record-breaking temperature events.
Europe-Wide Heat Alerts Issued
Spain is not alone in facing extreme temperatures. Several other European countries have also issued their highest-level heat warnings as the heat dome expands across the continent.
France, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have all implemented emergency measures or weather alerts in response to the unusually high temperatures. Authorities throughout Europe are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.
Forecasters expect the combination of persistent atmospheric pressure systems, intense summer sunshine, and incoming Saharan air to maintain exceptionally hot conditions across parts of Europe until at least the middle of the week.
- Spain could experience temperatures as high as 44°C.
- Tuesday was forecast to become one of the hottest June days ever recorded.
- More than a dozen provincial capitals were expected to exceed 40°C.
- Nighttime temperatures remained above 30°C in some southeastern regions.
- A powerful heat dome and Saharan air mass are driving the heatwave.
- Climate researchers say climate change made the event at least five times more likely.
- Several European countries have issued top-level heat warnings.
