Španjolska se priprema za treći toplinski val ovog ljeta

Spain is preparing for its third heatwave of the summer, set to begin on Tuesday with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in much of the country, according to Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, AEMET. The extreme conditions will be exacerbated by an anticyclone trapping dry air from North Africa, pushing temperatures to unprecedented levels. The heatwave is expected to worsen through Thursday, with some isolated areas potentially reaching over 45 degrees Celsius. AEMET warned that danger levels will be high during the hottest parts of the day, particularly for outdoor activities and vulnerable groups. This summer has already brought two previous heatwaves, one at the end of June when temperature records were broken across Europe, and another at the start of July. This year's early summer has been the hottest since measurements began in 1961. Between June 1 and July 15, the average temperature was 24.5 degrees Celsius, which is 3.3 degrees higher than the average for the period 1991–2020, which stood at 21.2 degrees. According to AEMET spokesperson Ruben del Cambo, these rising temperatures reflect the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves driven by human-induced climate change. Climate scientists have linked the prolonged duration and severity of heatwaves to global warming, noting that they contribute to drought conditions and heighten the risk of wildfires. In July, a wildfire in southeastern Spain’s Almeria region claimed the lives of 13 people. These fires underscore the growing threat posed by extreme weather events, especially in regions experiencing prolonged dry spells and high temperatures. Meanwhile, a forest fire near Fréjus on France’s Mediterranean coast has forced the evacuation of several villages and threatened homes. The blaze, which started on Sunday, spread rapidly due to the ongoing heatwave, extreme dryness, and strong winds. Local authorities reported that the fire had consumed approximately 180 hectares of land by Sunday evening. Television footage showed towering flames approaching houses on hillsides, while thick black smoke rose above pine and cedar forests. Rail services between the Mediterranean port city of Toulon and the area around Les Arcs were suspended due to the fire. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) issued a warning last month that record-breaking temperatures in late June across western Europe would increase the likelihood of wildfires, given continued high temperatures, very low air humidity, and dry vegetation. Data from Reuters' Climate Monitor indicates that in Les Arcs, where the fire occurred, the expected highest temperature was 38 degrees Celsius—11.4 degrees higher than the usual maximum for July 19th in the period 1961–1990. Authorities in both Spain and France are working to manage the crisis, deploying emergency services and firefighting resources. Public health officials have urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun, and monitor for signs of heat exhaustion. As the heatwave continues, experts warn that such extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent and severe in the coming years, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptation strategies and climate mitigation efforts.