A new heat wave will hit the peninsula starting Sunday with temperatures reaching 44 degrees Celsius.

Madrid, Aug 1 (EFE) - A new heat wave is expected to hit much of the Iberian Peninsula starting this Sunday, especially the center and southern half, until at least next Thursday, with temperatures that could reach around 44 degrees in some cases.

State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) spokesperson Rubén del Campo warned this Friday that temperatures will reach very high levels both day and night until at least Thursday, although the intense heat is likely to continue in many areas in the following days.

Thus, temperatures will exceed 42°C in the Guadiana and Guadalquivir valleys, and minimum temperatures will not drop below 23 to 25°C in parts of the Mediterranean, the central region, and the southern half.

Before the warm weather arrives, Aemet has urged everyone to pay attention to the storms this Friday, which will be locally strong and may be accompanied by very strong gusts of wind and hail in the east and center of the peninsula, especially in the Community of Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, the Valencian Community, eastern Andalusia, and Catalonia.

Temperatures will rise on Sunday

According to forecasts, temperatures will rise across the board on Sunday, with intense heat, exceeding thresholds that could lead to a heat wave.

Forecasts point to temperatures of over 38°C in southern Galicia and much of the central and southern Iberian Peninsula, while temperatures of between 42 and 44°C are expected in the Guadiana and Guadalquivir valleys, and in cities such as Badajoz, Córdoba, and Seville.

The Meteorological Agency also predicts that the temperature increase will continue on Monday, specifying that the rise will be especially noticeable in the Cantabrian Sea, where very hot temperatures are expected, as well as in parts of the Mediterranean, Andalusia, and Extremadura, where temperatures will not drop below 24°C.

Tuesday, the hottest day

Del Campo noted that starting Tuesday, "there will likely be a significant drop in temperatures in the Cantabrian Sea, and they could even rise somewhat more in most of the peninsula," stating that for now, "Tuesday, the 5th, could be the hottest day of the episode."

That day, except in northern Galicia and the Cantabrian regions where highs will be around 25 to 30°C, temperatures will exceed 38°C and 40°C in most of the peninsula, and in some places like Córdoba, they could reach around 44°C.

Starting Wednesday, the "uncertainty" will increase, but the most likely scenario is that temperatures will rise significantly again in the northern third of the peninsula. Meanwhile, the rest of the peninsula will experience slight variations with unusually warm temperatures for the season, meaning the heat wave could last until at least Thursday the 7th.

Emergencies warn of high temperatures

In this context, the General Directorate of Civil Protection and Emergencies of the Ministry of the Interior, in accordance with the heat wave predictions of the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), warns of high temperatures across almost the entire peninsula and urges maximum caution due to the extreme risk of forest fires.

In a statement released this Friday, Civil Protection announced some of the precautionary measures to be taken due to the high temperatures expected in the coming days, as well as recommendations for preventing forest fires.

Among the recommendations offered are limiting sun exposure; staying in well-ventilated areas; eating light, regular meals rich in water and minerals; drinking fluids frequently; and avoiding prolonged physical exercise during the middle of the day.

Also, wear light-colored clothing, covering as much skin as possible, and take special interest in children, the elderly, the sick, and those who live alone.

Risk of forest fires

Regarding recommendations for preventing forest fires, they mention avoiding the use of cigarettes, trash, and especially glass bottles, which create a magnifying glass effect in the sun; not lighting fires or bonfires in the mountains; and camping only in authorized areas.

If you discover a fire, call 112. If you are caught in the flames, avoid entering the forest or woodland, staying in areas with high visibility. In the event of a forest fire emergency, follow the instructions of the relevant authorities.