Scorching heat engulfs Spain once more, triggering over 900 urban areas to issue emergency alerts due to the severity of the heatwave.
Spain Endures Second Major Heatwave of Summer, Public Health Alert Issued
Spain is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. The heatwave, which began on August 3, is expected to peak between August 4 and 5, with parts of Andalusia and Extremadura reaching temperatures up to 45°C, and central regions like Castilla-La Mancha, Madrid, and Murcia seeing temperatures of 40-42°C [1][3].
This heatwave follows a relatively mild July and is driven by a strong atmospheric ridge causing stable conditions and strong surface heating [1]. The heatwave is causing "tropical nights," where temperatures remain high even overnight, exacerbating heat-related health risks.
Authorities, including Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), have issued special warnings about the heatwave's severity and its expected duration, affecting southwestern and central Spain primarily [4]. The heatwave is not limited to the south of Spain, it is creeping north and is expected to extend into the interior of northern Spain, including the Cantabrian coast, by August 4 and August 5 [6].
As a result, over 1,000 towns in Spain are on high health alert, with 16 zones at the maximum alert level (Level 3) and 29 at Level 2 [7]. A study by the Carlos III Institute of Health has identified 182 "meteosalud" zones, which are particularly vulnerable to heat-related health risks [8].
The heatwave poses significant public health risks, increasing the risks of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and exacerbating chronic conditions, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with preexisting health issues. The heat can push the body past its limit, according to public health officials [2].
In response, authorities have issued advice focused on hydration, minimizing heat exposure, and fire safety. They advise staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours (midday to late afternoon), using air conditioning or cooling measures indoors, wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, checking on vulnerable family members and neighbors, following official updates and warnings from AEMET and local health authorities, and being cautious with fire use due to the heightened danger from drought conditions and to prevent wildfires [2][5].
The heatwave may persist or be followed by additional heat episodes into mid-August, so vigilance is advised [2]. People are urged to rest and stay hydrated to avoid heat-related symptoms. Even the Canary Islands are feeling the heat, with unseasonably high temperatures leading to yellow alerts [6].
Spain and Portugal have also declared a high alert due to increased wildfire risks [5]. The heatwave is expected to last until August 10 [5]. As the heatwave continues, it is crucial for everyone to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy.
References:
- AEMET
- AECC
- Euronews
- El Pais
- CNN
- BBC
- El Mundo
- Carlos III Institute of Health
- The extreme heatwave in Spain, a consequence of climate change, raises concerns in the field of environmental science, as it may pose long-term impacts on health-and-wellness, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- As the world grapples with escalating climate-change issues, the current heatwave in Spain serves as a stark reminder of how the changing climate may alter landscapes, not just geographically, but also in terms of health-and-wellness, further accentuated by the intersection of science and environmental-science.
