Spain Braced For 35 Degree Temperatures And Driest April On Record
Spain News
Published: 20 April 2023 15:17 CET
Spain is set to experience an "unusual" heatwave with high temperatures and masses of "very warm air" across the country from next week, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). Some parts of southern Spain may see temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius, as the hot weather sweeps across the peninsula.
The heatwave is expected to intensify from Sunday, with temperatures exceeding 25 degrees Celsius in many areas of Extremadura, particularly in the valleys of the Tagus and the Guadiana, as well as in the valley of the Guadalquivir, the interior of the Region of Murcia, and the province of Valencia.
Temperatures will continue to rise, and on Monday, highs will approach 30 degrees in many areas. The maximum expected temperature for that day in Córdoba is 33 degrees.
Between Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures could reach 30 degrees in many cities of the peninsular interior, including Cáceres, Toledo, Cuenca, and Teruel. Seville and Cordoba could see the first 35-degree temperatures of the year on Tuesday in the Peninsula. Between Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures may continue to rise depending on the area, although models suggest that they will remain very high for a few more days.
The high temperatures are expected to follow a weekend of rain and showers, which will temporarily lower temperatures. However, on Friday and Saturday, the hot weather is expected to arrive in the peninsula accompanied by small storms and showers, although they are not likely to be "neither abundant nor persistent," as described by AEMET.
Despite the temporary decrease in temperatures due to the weekend rain, this April is still likely to be one of the driest on record, if not the driest, due to the high temperatures. AEMET has described the temperatures that will be experienced during the coming week in Spain as "unusual" for this time of year, adding that it would be more normal to have these temperatures at "the end of June".
According to Copernicus, the European satellite system, extreme weather events will become increasingly common and intense throughout 2023. The past year saw unprecedented extreme heat that produced widespread droughts, marking a significant change in the European climate. Copernicus has warned that extreme weather phenomena will be increasingly abundant and intense during this year.
In 2022, the Mediterranean coast saw the highest temperatures in Europe, and the year was the driest on record, with spring devoid of rainfall. During the summer, Spain was among the three driest countries in Europe, along with Germany and the United Kingdom. If the situation persists, Spain may retain this position in 2023.
Overall, the upcoming heatwave is likely to affect not only Spain but also the wider European continent. Copernicus has predicted that extreme weather events will become more frequent and intense, highlighting the urgent need to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions to mitigate the effects of these events.
Source
https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5120530/0/alerta-por-un-episodio-inusual-de-calor-que-dejara-temperaturas-de-hasta-35-grados-podria-ser-el-abril-mas-seco-de-la-historia/
