Spain has been forced to activate an extreme warning for all UK tourists as an intense heatwave sweeps across the country. The State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, has declared an extreme heat alert, warning that temperatures could soar to 40 degrees Celsius in several provinces.
Rising Temperatures Across Spain
The Azores High has brought stable conditions, silencing recent spring rains and replacing them with a thermal surge. In the Guadalquivir Valley, cities such as Seville and Cordoba are bracing for highs between 36C and 38C, with some areas potentially reaching the 40C threshold. AEMET stated that the hottest regions will be in western Andalusia, in the southwest of the country.
On social media platform X, AEMET reported: Thursday and Friday will see summer highs in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, with 36-38C in the valleys of the southwest and Ebro. Friday and Saturday will bring tropical nights in the southwest of the mainland. In the Canary Islands, summer highs are expected over the weekend.
Advice for Holidaymakers
AEMET has issued a list of advice and guidance tips for holidaymakers, including wearing loose-fitting clothing, staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and keeping hydrated. UK tourists are urged to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Tragic Incident Highlights Dangers
The warning comes amid tragic news that a two-year-old girl died of heatstroke in northwest Spain after being accidentally left in her father's car. The child, who has not been named, went into cardiac arrest on Wednesday afternoon after spending several hours inside the vehicle in the Galician town of Brion. The father had driven his older child to school that morning and intended to drop the toddler at nursery but was distracted by a phone call and went to work instead.
The local council expressed their condolences, saying: We would like to offer our deepest condolences and all our support to the family of the little girl who lost her life in Brion yesterday, as well as to all her friends, while we make all the municipal resources they need available to them in these difficult times. May she rest in peace.
Record Heat Possible
AEMET noted that throughout May, below-normal temperatures were recorded. Now, the opposite is occurring, with very high temperatures for this time of year across most of the country. Some days could break heat records.
