Almost 40 degrees: hellish heat in Spain

Because of the summer temperatures, the south of Spain and its thriving agriculture is considered the kitchen garden of Europe. But readings above 35 degrees this early in the year are extreme, even for local conditions – but that’s exactly what the weather services are predicting this week.

The “extraordinarily high temperatures for this time of year” are associated with a “mass of hot and dry air from Africa,” Spain’s meteorological service Aemet said Monday. According to the weather service, temperatures will exceed 30 degrees in large parts of the south of the country on Tuesday and Wednesday. In Andalusia it should be a maximum of 35 degrees. 33 degrees are also expected in the regions of Valencia and Murcia.

Temperatures of 35 degrees are expected throughout the south of the country on Thursday and Friday. In Andalusia it should even be up to 40 degrees.

The expected temperatures are according to the weather service “Six to ten degrees Celsius” higher than the normal seasonal average. In some areas, the values ​​are even “15 to 20 degrees” higher than normal for the end of April.

In addition to the catastrophic drought, the whole of Spain is now also suffering from water shortages. This is a particular challenge for agriculture. The drought also increases the risk of wildfires.

(oo)