Spain has issued an orange weather alert for the Basque Country as temperatures are expected to soar to 40C (104F) this week, marking an unusually early and intense heatwave. The state meteorological office, Aemet, warned that the northern region could see the mercury hit 37C on Wednesday, while southern areas are forecast to experience temperatures between 36C and 38C, with a high of 38C in the southwestern city of Badajoz.
Unseasonably High Temperatures
Aemet reported that temperatures more typical of July have already been recorded across the country, describing the current heat as “more characteristic of the dog days, the hottest period of the year.” The agency emphasized that such hot spells are a direct consequence of the climate emergency.
“It should be pointed out that climate change is leading to episodes of high temperatures throughout the year that are more frequent and more intense than in previous decades,” said Rubén del Campo, an Aemet spokesperson. “Both this episode and the atmospheric pattern that’s causing it are part and parcel of climate change and of what’s been observed in recent years.”
Regional Impacts
The orange alert, which indicates significant risk to health and property, is in effect for the Basque Country, where residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours. In southern regions, including Andalusia and Extremadura, temperatures are expected to reach 36-38C, with Badajoz facing the highest reading of 38C.
This heatwave follows a pattern of increasingly extreme weather events linked to global warming, with scientists warning that such episodes will become more common unless greenhouse gas emissions are drastically reduced.
