IRISH holidaymakers in Spain have been issued a warning as a heatwave will bring temperatures of up to 42C in parts.
Spain‘s weather forecasters, Aemet, have issued warnings for “intense heat” over the coming days in many popular regions of Spain and the Canary Islands.
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Taking to X, formerly twitter, Aemet have also said that warm temperatures will persist into the night-time.
Aemet said: “Temperatures are set to be very high for most of this week.
“Temperatures of 40C to 42C will be reached in parts of the centre and south of the peninsula, and even higher locally.
“Intense heat will also be present in the Canary Islands. Very warm night-time temperatures will be present in much of the territory.”
On Monday, seven regions have warnings in place, with a higher-risk orange warning in Estremadura, where temperatures could reach 40C from 1pm until 9pm.
Andalusia, the Balaeric Islands, Castile and Leon, Castilla la Mancha, Galicia and Madrid all have yellow heat warnings in place – with mercury set to hit 34C to 39C in parts.
On Tuesday, warnings are increased to include 11 regions with Madrid, Galicia, Estremadura, Castile and Leon and Andalusia receiving orange heat alerts.
Campiña cordobesa-Córdoba was hit with a warning that could see temperatures reach 42C tomorrow, with other orange alert areas hitting a maximum 40C.
MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN
Wedneday will see the worst of the extreme temperatures with the heat effecting 11 regions and all but one of those hitting temperatures of 40C or above.
The orange alerts are in place for Andalusia, Aragon, Castile and Leon, Castilla la Mancha, Catalonia, Estremadura, Galicia, Comunidad de Madrid and Comunitat Valenciana.
Mercury is set to peak at 42C in many parts of the regions with the warnings in place from 1pm until 9pm.
In the Canary Islands, yellow heat alerts are in place in Gran Canaria on Tuesday, with temperatures set to hit 34C.
HEALTH FEARS
Then on Wednesday, Gran Caneria is hit with an orange alert, while Tenerife, El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma and Fuerteventura received yellow heat alerts.
Temperatures will soar to highs of 37C in Gran Caneria and hit 34C elsewhere.
Minister for Health and Climate Hector Tejero told online newspaper elDiario.es that the heat is causing 3,000 deaths every year.
The health minister revealed there have been 20 to 25 deaths due to heat stroke in Spain in the last two years – with around 7,000 deaths attributed to heat in the same period.
The Minister said: “The heat is killing 3,000 people a year and it’s going to get worse.
“But while exposure to extreme heat is going to rise, we can also step up our adaptation to it.
“Although it’s hotter in Spain than it was 20 years ago, fewer people are dying because homes are better adapted, because we have air conditioning, and because people are getting into a culture of dealing with the heat.”
RECORD TEMPS
ElDiaro.es warned that mercury could break records in Madrid as the second heatwave in a week hits.
Temperatures are set to soar from 32.5C on Sunday to 40C on Wednesday.
The predicted heat is due to a huge anti-cyclone bringing a mass of hot and dry air from North Africa to the Iberian Peninsula.
The air in the Spanish mainland will also carry Saharan dust – causing a significant rise in temperatures.
The Department of foreign affairs issued a travel alert on their site over heatwaves that hit Spain during the summer months.
They also warned that high temperatures cause an increased risk of forest fires.
A spokesperson said: “Irish citizens should avoid engaging in any action that may contribute to the risk of forest fires, and follow the advice of local authorities if they find themselves in affected areas.
“Please see the Safety and Security section for more information.
“There have been reports of increased levels of cryptosporidiosis, a potentially severe stomach bug, reported from areas of Spain, particularly Salou in Catalonia.
“The HSE is advising people to take extra hygiene precautions when travelling in this area.”
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