Food shortages could hit supermarkets if no rain in next 10 days in dry areas, say farmers

Spain is bracing for its hottest week of the summer as temperatures are expected to climb to 45C, with the heatwave set to affect multiple regions across the Iberian Peninsula. According to Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, Aemet, the extreme heat will begin on Tuesday, July 21, and is expected to persist until at least Thursday, July 23. The heatwave is attributed to a stationary atmospheric pattern involving a cut-off low northwest of the Iberian Peninsula and a mid-level high over North Africa, creating a mass of warm, dry air that is expected to spread across the country. The combination of this air mass, typical summer sunshine, and widespread subsidence will push temperatures to dangerously high levels. Aemet has warned that the risk of harm to individuals engaging in outdoor activities, particularly the elderly, those with cardiovascular issues, and others deemed vulnerable, is significant or even extraordinary. The heatwave will initially impact southeastern Spain, the Guadalquivir valley, the Ebro valley, northeastern depressions, the Pyrenees valleys, and inland Mallorca. On Monday, temperatures are anticipated to reach 36-38C in the eastern and southeastern parts of the peninsula, with some areas hitting 40C. By Tuesday, low-lying areas and inland Mallorca could see temperatures as high as 42C, while other affected regions will experience up to 39C. The peak of the heatwave is expected between Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures continuing to rise along the Mediterranean coast on Thursday, potentially reaching 44C. Aemet noted that while a cooler air mass from the northwest may arrive on Friday, the timing remains uncertain, and temperatures are likely to remain high in many areas throughout the weekend. The ongoing heatwave is exacerbating wildfire risks, with major blazes already underway in Zaragoza and Guadalajara. These fires have been burning out of control for several days, with the most severe incident near Orés, Zaragoza, consuming approximately 15,400 hectares and extending a perimeter of about 60 kilometers. Another fire in Sierra Norte de Guadalajara has been active since the middle of the week, impacting around 6,000 hectares. Local authorities have expressed pessimism about the progress of extinguishing efforts, highlighting the severity of the situation. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is also grappling with extreme weather conditions, with the Met Office reporting that the climate of the 20th century is now obsolete. What was once considered extreme is now becoming the new normal. The UK has experienced its third heatwave of the year, with some areas enduring 13 consecutive days of temperatures above 30C. The Met Office’s State of the UK Climate report for 2025 reveals that 2025 was the warmest year on record since 1884, with the decade 2016-2025 being 1.33C warmer than the 1961-1990 period. In the southeast of England, the hottest day of the year is now 4.5C warmer than it was in the previous century, and the number of days over 30C in Greater London has more than quadrupled. The UK’s prolonged heatwave has raised concerns about public health, with estimates suggesting that over 2,700 people may have died from heat-related causes in England and Wales during the exceptionally hot weather in May and June. Drought conditions have also intensified, with many regions receiving less than half their usual rainfall. The dryness has contributed to increased wildfire risks, with emergency services dealing with 19 fires, including two major incidents, in the past week. Scientists warn that the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves are linked to human-induced climate change, emphasizing the need for urgent action to mitigate further environmental degradation. Despite the persistent heat, the UK is set to experience a brief respite as the heatwave is expected to ease over the weekend. The Met Office predicts that temperatures will drop, particularly in northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, with some areas seeing a reduction of up to 7C. However, the overall trend remains upward, with southern England continuing to experience temperatures above the heatwave threshold. The Met Office has also warned that the current conditions are part of a broader pattern of climate change, with extreme weather becoming increasingly common. As the heatwave persists, the UK faces challenges related to transportation, with the Royal Automobile Club estimating that 14.1 million drivers will embark on journeys between Friday and Sunday. This is the second-highest number of motorist movements recorded since 2016, indicating the growing impact of the weather on daily life. Schools in England and Wales are also breaking up for the summer holidays, adding to the volume of traffic on the roads. Despite the cooling trend, the Met Office anticipates that temperatures will rebound quickly, leading to further dry spells and continued strain on water resources. The combination of extreme heat, prolonged dry periods, and increasing wildfire risks underscores the urgency of addressing climate change. As the UK and Spain navigate these challenging conditions, the implications extend beyond immediate weather concerns, pointing to the necessity of long-term strategies to adapt to and mitigate the effects of a changing climate.