The heat is still on in Madrid: highs of 40 degrees and orange warning in much of the Community
The article reports on the ongoing heatwave in Madrid, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius and an orange warning issued across much of the Community of Madrid. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has activated this warning during central hours, particularly in the metropolitan area, Henares, south, valleys, and west, while the Sierra region remains under a yellow alert due to high temperatures. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach between 38 and 39 degrees in the center and south, with some areas like Aranjuez hitting 40 degrees, whereas lower areas of the Sierra will see temperatures around 36 to 37 degrees. Minimum temperatures remain above 20 degrees, ranging between 21 and 24 degrees, with higher values in the capital. Possible isolated showers in the Sierra could bring occasional storms later in the day. Winds will be light and variable, turning more southerly by midday and eastward in the afternoon, with possible strong gusts in the southeast. For the weekend, a thermal break is expected, with maximum temperatures dropping to 33 degrees, accompanied by a yellow alert for rain and storms in the Sierra on Saturday, while Sunday might see minimums as低as
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a warning that the risk of wildfires is returning to very high or extreme levels across nearly all of Spain. This comes after a period of slightly cooler temperatures following the fourth heatwave of the summer, which had pushed temperatures to record highs earlier this month. Despite a temporary drop in maximum temperatures during the first week of August, the threat of wildfires remains severe due to persistently high temperatures and dry conditions. The agency has noted that while active fires have decreased, the overall fire danger is set to rise sharply over the coming days, particularly with the approach of the solar eclipse on August 12. Over the past few days, several regions including Andalusia, Extremadura, Castilla and León, and the Community of Madrid have been under yellow and orange alerts, indicating elevated fire risks. These warnings are expected to expand significantly by Friday and Saturday, affecting much of the Iberian Peninsula and parts of the Balearic Islands. Temperatures are forecasted to exceed 36 degrees Celsius in many areas, reaching up to 40 degrees in some parts of Córdoba province. According to AEMET, these conditions will lead to an increase in fire danger across large portions of the country, with extreme and very high risk levels predicted to cover nearly the entire territory by the weekend. The risk of wildfires is anticipated to remain extremely high or very high in wide areas of the country on August 12, coinciding with the solar eclipse. AEMET has emphasized the need for caution, urging people to avoid overcrowding vulnerable areas, refrain from leaving debris, avoid parking on dry vegetation, keep emergency access routes clear, and respect bans on open flames. The Ministry of Ecological Transition has echoed these recommendations, highlighting the importance of preparedness given the heightened fire risk. According to AEMET's projections, the percentage of the territory under extreme fire risk is expected to rise dramatically, increasing from 0.9% on Thursday, August 6, to 44% by Tuesday, August 11. Very high risk levels are also expected to remain significant, rising from 27% to 51% between Thursday and Friday, and maintaining similar percentages throughout the week. This data underscores the growing concern among authorities regarding the potential for widespread wildfires. High temperatures have played a crucial role in previous wildfire incidents, according to experts. Cristina Santín, a researcher at the Mixed Institute for Biodiversity Research (CSIC-University of Oviedo-Principality of Asturias), explained that factors such as lack of humidity, prolonged periods without rain, rapid temperature increases, and wind speed are critical in creating conditions conducive to wildfires. She noted that the accumulation of early and extended heatwaves contributes to drier vegetation, making it more susceptible to catching fire. Carlos Madrigal, a territorial dean from Madrid of the Official College of Forestry Engineering Technicians, added that the first wave of summer heat dries out vegetation, preparing it for combustion. He emphasized that the current dry conditions mean even minor fires could quickly escalate into major wildfires. The combination of high temperatures and dry vegetation creates an environment where fires can spread rapidly, especially with the additional challenge posed by strong winds. On Wednesday, August 12, the day of the total solar eclipse, temperatures are expected to remain very high, further increasing the risk of wildfires. AEMET has warned that the fire danger will be very high or extreme in most of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands. In its social media posts, the agency urged caution, noting that any fire starting during the eclipse would be extremely difficult to control. Rubén del Campo, AEMET’s spokesperson, highlighted the increased risk in areas such as inland Galicia, Castilla and León, northern Aragon, and Catalonia, as well as isolated areas in southern regions. In response to the heightened risk, several autonomous communities have raised their alert levels and restricted vehicle access to certain natural areas. Law enforcement and civil protection agencies are deploying unprecedented resources to manage the situation. The government has been preparing a Special Civil Protection Plan and a Specific Security Plan to coordinate responses across different administrations. The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has classified the day as an Event of High Impact on Traffic (EVAAT) due to the anticipated millions of movements toward the area experiencing the total eclipse.
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