Spain Braces For Unprecedented Spring Heatwave Of 'Extraordinary Intensity'

Spain is preparing for an unprecedented heatwave that could trigger wildfires in what is being described as ‘the hottest May for 20 years’.

According to the Daily Mail, a wave of hot and dry air is being pushed north from Africa, which is expected to push temperatures as high as 42C in southern and eastern parts of the country.

Spanish meteorological agency Aemet says the temperatures would be something they expect in the height of summer rather than in May, and as a result they have activated their national plan for excess temperatures.

Aemet estimates that the hot air blowing up from the Sahara has helped daily temperatures climb to somewhere between 10C and 15C above the seasonal average.

The air also carries with it dust from the Sahara Desert, which could cause dust storms and a higher risk of wildfires.

Ruben Del Campo, spokesperson for Aemet, said the heatwave would be one of ‘extraordinary intensity’ that would kick up clouds of orange dust and harm air quality.

He said: ‘This will be an extreme episode and the risk that comes with the high temperatures will be important in many areas.

'Another thing to be aware of is dust in the air, which could lead to calimas (haze) in the south and east of the peninsula, with murky skies and reduced visibility.’

'For Spain as a whole, it could be the most intense May heatwave of the past 20 years in terms of both the maximum and minimum temperatures.'

The Spanish government has advised people to wear light clothing, stay hydrated and keep a close eye on the condition of children, the elderly, pregnant women and the chronically ill.

But Spain isn't the only place in Europe experiencing temperatures well above the expected average.

Heat records for Spring have also been broken in France as The Guardian reports the country yesterday marked a 38th consecutive day of above-normal temperatures.

Some predictions warn that temperatures in the south of France could climb to 39C by the end of the week, which would be 17C above the seasonal average.

Earlier this week in the UK, the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and suggested that some southern parts of the country could even experience 'blood rain' as the Saharan dust mixes with rain to give it a red appearance.

The UK recorded its hottest day of the year so far this week, with Tuesday temperatures hitting 27C in some areas.

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Topics: Weather

Joe Harker

Joe graduated from the University of Salford with a degree in Journalism and worked for Reach before joining the LADbible Group. When not writing he enjoys the nerdier things in life like painting wargaming miniatures and chatting with other nerds on the internet. He's also spent a few years coaching fencing. Contact him via [email protected]

@MrJoeHarker