The weather in Spain has seen a slight reprieve this Monday after several days of extreme heat, though temperatures remain dangerously high in parts of the country, particularly in the Canary Islands, where some areas could reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued warnings about potential severe storms with hail in the northeastern regions, including parts of Catalonia and Aragon. While the overall temperature trend shows a drop, especially in the northwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula, the heat continues to be intense in many southern and eastern areas, with forecasts indicating continued high temperatures well into the coming days. This week marks the end of the fourth heatwave of the summer, which has contributed to July being the hottest month on record in Spain, tied with 2022. Temperatures reached as high as 42 degrees Celsius in several regions during the weekend. Although the heat is expected to ease slightly over the next few days, the AEMET warns that certain areas will still experience extreme conditions, with yellow alerts for heat continuing in regions such as Malaga, Mallorca, Almería, Murcia, Zaragoza, and Lérida. In Gran Canaria, the warning level remains red due to the persistent high temperatures. The shift in weather patterns brings the possibility of more frequent rainfall, with the AEMET forecasting thunderstorms and heavy rain in the northeastern part of the country, particularly in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Huesca, Lérida, and Girona. These storms could bring localized flooding and pose risks to infrastructure and agriculture. Meanwhile, the Canary Islands continue to experience stable weather conditions, with clear skies and occasional morning fog. However, the presence of haze persists in higher-altitude areas of the islands, and temperatures in these regions are expected to stay above 30 degrees even during nighttime hours. In addition to the heat and storm activity, the risk of wildfires has increased significantly. Despite a temporary cooling effect in the early part of August, the AEMET reports that the danger of forest fires remains very high or extreme across much of the country. This follows a period of prolonged drought and high temperatures, which have left vegetation extremely dry and prone to catching fire. Areas such as Andalusia, Extremadura, Castile and León, and the Community of Madrid are currently under yellow or orange alerts, with maximum temperatures ranging from 35 to 39 degrees Celsius. By Friday and Saturday, these alerts are expected to spread further, affecting regions such as Catalonia, Aragon, Navarre, and the Valencian Community, where temperatures could surpass 36 degrees and reach up to 40 degrees in specific locations like the Córdoba countryside. The government has advised residents to take precautions, especially those who are elderly or have health conditions, to avoid exposure to the sun during peak hours. Emergency services have been put on high alert, and recommendations include avoiding leaving flammable materials in open spaces and ensuring access routes remain clear. Authorities have also urged the public to respect fire restrictions and to refrain from lighting fires in designated areas. Wind conditions are expected to vary across the country, with the trade winds continuing to blow strongly in the Canary Islands, bringing gusts and possible lightning. In other regions, wind speeds are predicted to increase during the afternoon, with prevailing westerlies in much of the mainland, while southerly and easterly breezes dominate in the Balearic Islands and the northeast. These changing wind patterns may influence the movement and intensity of the approaching storms, potentially increasing their impact in affected areas. With the combination of high temperatures, dry conditions, and the likelihood of sudden weather changes, the coming days will require vigilance from both authorities and citizens alike. The AEMET continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary, ensuring that the population is informed about any developments that might affect safety and daily life. As the summer progresses, the challenge remains to balance the need for outdoor activities with the growing environmental risks posed by the ongoing climate conditions.
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