Aemet warns Madrid of heat in the next few hours: temperatures of up to 40 degrees and tropical nights

Spain is bracing for a significant heatwave over the coming days, as confirmed by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). The arrival of a dry and extremely hot air mass from the Sahara, combined with high solar radiation typical of this time of year, is expected to trigger "a possible episode of very high and persistent temperatures" starting on Sunday, June 21. This phenomenon could mark the beginning of the first heatwave of the summer season. According to AEMET, these unusually high temperatures are likely to persist throughout most of the following week. The agency has warned that there will be a "significant danger level during the central hours of the day," along with an increased risk of wildfires in northern areas.

One of the regions most affected by these extreme temperatures in the near future will be the Community of Madrid. Starting Friday, temperatures are expected to rise gradually, reaching up to 34 degrees Celsius in low areas of the Sierra and 36 degrees elsewhere in the community. However, the real warning begins on Saturday, June 20, when yellow alerts for high temperatures will be activated in many parts of the region. On that day, temperatures are projected to exceed 37 degrees Celsius in many points across the Iberian Peninsula. The weather conditions will be mostly clear in the early morning, with the possibility of dust storms. Despite this, isolated thunderstorms or occasional strong storms with hail cannot be ruled out.

The situation is expected to continue into Sunday, with further temperature increases. Temperatures could reach 39 degrees Celsius in flat areas and 36 degrees in the Sierra. In some cities such as Alcalá de Henares, Getafe, and Aranjuez, temperatures might even surpass 40 degrees Celsius. Both Saturday and Sunday nights in Madrid are predicted to be tropical, with temperatures not dropping below 25 degrees Celsius.

As the weekend progresses, the heat is anticipated to intensify further. By Monday, June 22, temperatures in Madrid could reach 40 degrees Celsius, while the Sierra may experience up to 37 degrees. In certain municipalities like Alcalá de Henares, Aranjuez, Navalcarnero, and Getafe, temperatures might climb to around 42 degrees Celsius. The weather forecast indicates partly cloudy skies with intervals of high clouds developing later in the afternoon. Thunderstorms are expected primarily in western areas of the community, contrasting with the extremely high temperatures across the country.

According to Rubén del Campo, spokesperson for AEMET, this heatwave is expected to be persistent, with temperatures remaining exceptionally high throughout much of the upcoming week. Although there might be slight temperature drops during the week, overall, the temperatures are expected to remain significantly above average. In specific areas such as the Guadalquivir and Guadiana valleys, temperatures could locally reach up to 44 degrees Celsius. The nighttime temperatures are also noteworthy, with many parts of Spain experiencing very warm nights, potentially exceeding 25 degrees Celsius, especially in densely populated urban areas where the urban heat island effect is pronounced.

Del Campo explained that the atmospheric conditions contributing to this heatwave involve a powerful anticyclonic ridge over the western Mediterranean and a trough in the Atlantic. These conditions create uncertainty regarding the intensity of the heatwave but suggest that temperatures could surpass 38 to 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday and Monday, which are expected to be two particularly hot days across large parts of the peninsula. While there is a degree of uncertainty about the exact intensity, the heatwave is anticipated to last well into the following week, with fluctuations in temperature levels.

In addition to the extreme heat, AEMET warns of an increasing risk of wildfires, particularly in northern areas. Dry thunderstorms, which can ignite fires without substantial rainfall, pose a particular threat. Del Campo emphasized the need for caution regarding fire hazards, highlighting the potential for these dry storms to contribute to the outbreak of wildfires.

This heatwave occurs amid broader climatic patterns, including the approach of what some have dubbed the "Superniño," a reference to a potential El Niño event that could influence weather patterns globally. As the situation unfolds, residents and authorities are advised to take necessary precautions against the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures and the heightened risk of wildfires.