The Community of Madrid has activated level 2 (high risk) of alert for the heatwave in the southern area, which includes Aranjuez. Temperatures of up to 39.4 ºC are expected this Thursday and 38.5 ºC on Friday.
The Madrid 112 Agency for Security and Emergencies activated this Wednesday the level 2 alert for the heatwave in the southern area, valleys, and west of the Community of Madrid, which poses a high risk to the population. In Aranjuez and the municipalities of this area, maximum temperatures will reach 39.0 ºC today, 39.4 ºC on Thursday, July 30, and 38.5 ºC on Friday, July 31, according to forecasts from the General Directorate of Public Health.
The warning, communicated by the General Subdirectorate of Civil Protection, is part of the Action Plan for Episodes of High Temperatures. The risk level is calculated using an algorithm that compares the maximum temperatures expected for the next three days with the reference thresholds for each meteosalud area. In the southern area, valleys, and west, the threshold is clearly exceeded, leading to the declaration of high risk.
In addition to the southern area, the metropolitan area and Henares are also at level 2, while the Sierra de Madrid remains at level 1 (high risk, but lower). The alert affects the entire Community of Madrid, but with particular intensity in the southern municipalities, where the highest temperatures are expected.
Health authorities remind that the most vulnerable groups to extreme heat are infants and young children, those over 65 years old, people with chronic illnesses (cardiovascular, respiratory, diabetes, etc.), and those who engage in outdoor activities, such as agricultural workers, construction workers, or athletes. In Aranjuez, where agriculture and outdoor tourism are significant activities, it is recommended to take extra precautions.
Heatstroke is the most severe consequence of exposure to extreme temperatures. It is recognized by an elevated body temperature (up to 40 ºC), hot and dry skin, headache, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures and loss of consciousness. In case of any symptoms, experts urge to call 112 immediately.
To prevent the effects of heat, the Ministry of Health recommends drinking plenty of water (at least two litres a day), avoiding alcoholic beverages, and not going outside during the hottest hours of the day. It is also advisable to stay in the coolest rooms of the home and, if air conditioning is not available, to go to public cooling centres for two or three hours.
Other key measures include showering or cooling off frequently, eating light meals (salads, gazpachos, fruits), and protecting oneself from the sun with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. People who take medication regularly should consult their doctor about possible adjustments during the heatwave.
Residents of Aranjuez and the entire southern area should pay special attention to elderly family members, friends, or neighbours living alone, as well as to young children, who are very sensitive to heat. If a baby shows irritability or inconsolable crying, it is important to keep them cool and hydrated and seek medical attention if necessary.
The Community of Madrid has set up the website Heat and Health where updated information and recommendations can be consulted. In case of any emergency, the phone number 112 is operational 24 hours a day.
Temperatures are expected to start decreasing from Saturday, although the alert will remain active as long as the risk conditions persist. Authorities recommend following the evolution of the heatwave through official channels and not to let their guard down until the episode concludes.
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