Spain: High temperatures forecast to persist over much of the country through at least July 26 /update 1

Forecast models indicate high temperatures will persist across much of Spain through at least July 26. The Spanish State Meteorological Service (Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia, AEMET) has issued a bulletin advising a warm air mass moving in from North Africa will bring a progressive rise in temperatures over large parts of peninsular Spain from July 23. The peak of the heatwave is likely to occur July 24 before a cooler air mass moves into southwestern parts of mainland Spain from July 25 and spreads eastward through July 26. The highest temperatures are forecast over interior parts of central and southern Spain July 24, with highs of around 40-44 C (104-111 F) possible. Highs of 36-40 C (97-104 F) are expected across much of the rest of mainland Spain over the coming days. Temperatures of over 35 C (95 F) are expected in the parts of the Canary Islands July 24-25.

As of July 23, AEMET has issued orange high-temperature warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across parts of central, eastern, northeastern, and southern mainland Spain July 23, large parts of central, eastern, and southern and pocket of northeastern and northwestern mainland Spain July 24, and parts of central, eastern, and southern mainland Spain July 25. Yellow high-temperature warnings are in place for much of interior mainland Spain July 23-25. Orange high-temperature warnings are also in place for parts of Gran Canaria July 24 and yellow warnings across other parts of the Canary Islands July 23-25. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The extended period of oppressive heat and dry conditions may produce ideal circumstances for additional wildfire growth throughout the region. Heatwaves also pose a threat to vulnerable groups - such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory illnesses - due to the increased possibility of heat stroke or heat exhaustion during prolonged exposure to high temperatures. These health risks could also extend to relatively healthy individuals during significant heatwave events. In addition to significantly impacting athletes and those who work outdoors, high temperatures can cause problems for people using mass transit. The lack of air conditioning and cramped vehicles during rush hour may lead to some passengers being hospitalized for dehydration.

Very high temperatures may warp rail tracks and force passenger and freight trains to operate at reduced speeds. Road surface damage is also possible, and overheated vehicles may worsen traffic problems in urban areas where congestion is already a problem. Commercial trucking disruptions might occur, as very high temperatures put more stress on vehicles, making tire blowouts more common. Major flight disruptions are unlikely at regional airports, but general aviation disruptions are possible, and some airfreight carriers could reduce cargo loads. High temperatures could lead to an increased demand for electricity, which might trigger localized brownouts or blackouts, exacerbating hazardous conditions when air conditioning is no longer possible.