ANDALUCIA is set to face ‘one of the longest and most powerful’ heatwaves in years as it braces for ‘extraordinarily high’ temperatures from tomorrow (Saturday), officials have warned.
Antonio Sanz, the regional minister for emergencies, has urged residents to act ‘responsibly and with awareness’ during the 20 days the record-breaking heatwave is expected to last.
His warning came as state weather agency AEMET issued a flurry of alerts across Andalucia and southern Spain, saying that temperatures could spike to 44C in parts of the region.
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Malaga province has been placed under an orange alert, with highs expected to reach or even exceed 40C on Friday.
Inland Granada has also been placed under an orange alert under AEMET’s four-tier warning system (green, yellow, orange and red), which indicates the severity of the heat.
Only Huelva province has escaped extreme heat warnings, while the rest of Andalucia is currently under at least a yellow alert.
The most dangerous period, as usual, is between 1pm and 9pm.
Spain’s Ministry of Health has warned that the temperatures pose a serious health risk and is urging people to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun and look after those most at risk.
The Junta de Andalucia has reminded residents to take particular care of people over 65, children under four, and those with chronic illnesses.
Outdoor workers are also among the groups most vulnerable to the heatwave.
The soaring temperatures follow a torrid night across much of Andalucia on July 16, with lows remaining above 25C in areas including the Guadalquivir Valley and the Guadalhorce Valley in Malaga province.
Experts have officially welcomed the arrival of the canícula, the traditionally hottest period of the year in Spain, which typically runs from July 15 to August 15.
The heatwave was preceded by the so-called ‘heat bursts’ experienced in Almeria on July 14 and 15, when temperatures climbed to as high as 43C at 3am.
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