A severe heat wave has descended upon Europe, intensifying conditions across countries such as France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece, with temperatures soaring well above seasonal averages. Experts project that this extreme weather will continue into the next week, providing little to no reprieve during the night. In Spain, temperatures reached a staggering 114.8 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) on Saturday in El Granado, potentially marking a new national record for June. This reading, pending validation from AEMET, Spain’s meteorological agency, would shatter the previous record of 113 degrees, established in Seville more than sixty years ago.
The AEMET has indicated that the heat wave will likely persist at least until midweek, with broad temperature ranges surpassing 95 degrees Fahrenheit and peaking at over 104 degrees, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and southeastern highlands. Notably, nighttime temperatures are expected to remain above 68 degrees, exacerbating the situation.
In response to the dire conditions, Spain’s Ministry of Health has issued “high risk” red alerts across substantial areas in the north and west of the country through Monday. Authorities are urging citizens to remain hydrated, limit outdoor exposure during peak sunlight, and monitor vulnerable populations including the elderly, pregnant women, children, outdoor workers, and those with chronic health issues.
