The State Meteorological Agency has twelve regions under alert for high temperatures and storms. Six of them, including Madrid, are on orange alert, with maximums that could reach 45 ºC in the country.
The Community of Madrid wakes up this Wednesday under orange alert for extreme heat, on a day when the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has activated alerts in twelve autonomous communities and Ceuta. The heatwave, which began on Monday, will last at least until Thursday, with temperatures in the region potentially reaching 41 ºC in the southern, western, and valley areas.
In the metropolitan area and the Henares basin, thermometers will reach 40 ºC, while in the Madrid mountains, maximums are expected around 37 ºC. AEMET warns that the heat will be accompanied by sweltering nights, haze, and the possibility of dry storms with intense wind gusts and occasional hail.
The orange level, which indicates significant danger, has also been declared in Andalusia, Aragon, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands. In these regions, maximums will range between 42 and 45 ºC, with particular impact in the Córdoba countryside, the Guadalquivir valley, and areas of Albacete, where temperatures are expected to reach up to 41 ºC.
Another six communities – Murcia, Valencia, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Navarra, and La Rioja – along with Ceuta, are under yellow alert for heat or storms. In the case of Murcia and Valencia, the alert is for both high temperatures and severe storms.
The most intense storms will concentrate in the interior of Castellón, Tarragona, Valencia, northern Murcia, eastern Andalusia, and southeastern Albacete. AEMET predicts that these storms could produce hail and generate very strong wind gusts, increasing the risk in those areas.
In Madrid, authorities recommend taking extreme precautions, especially during the hottest hours of the day. It is advised to avoid sun exposure, hydrate frequently, and not leave elderly people, children, or pets in parked vehicles. Emergency services have reinforced their operations in anticipation of an expected increase in heat-related incidents.
The heatwave also brings haze, which will reduce visibility and worsen air quality. People with respiratory problems should limit outdoor activities. Additionally, mud rain is expected in areas where storms coincide with the presence of suspended dust.
Thursday will be the last day of this heatwave, although high temperatures will remain over the weekend. AEMET forecasts a thermal drop starting Friday, but without reaching normal values for the season. Models suggest that the heat will ease by mid-next week.
In light of this situation, the Madrid City Council has activated the high-temperature protocol, which includes opening day centers as climate shelters and enhancing support for homeless individuals. Schools have also been advised to adapt sports activities and avoid outdoor outings during the hottest hours.
In the rest of Spain, the most extreme temperatures will be recorded in Andalusia, with up to 42 ºC in the Córdoba countryside and the Guadalquivir valley; in Castilla-La Mancha, with 41 ºC in Albacete; and in Aragon and Catalonia, where temperatures will exceed 40 ºC in large areas. The Balearic Islands will also be on orange alert, with maximums around 38 ºC.
AEMET emphasizes the importance of following the authorities' recommendations and staying informed through official channels. This heatwave is the second of the summer and, according to experts, may not be the last, as forecasts indicate an especially warm August.
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