Spain and Greece experience severe heatwave with temperatures up to 44 degrees

Red alert level for Andalusia

There, as in other parts of the mainland, the orange alert level (significant danger) was announced. On the holiday island of Mallorca, it could already become swelteringly hot in Palma on Tuesday with 39 degrees, and 40 degrees are expected in the interior on Friday. Aemet also warned of the risk of further wildfires due to the heat.

Climate change increases the likelihood of such fires because it leads to long periods without rain and heat, which make vegetation bone-dry. Against this backdrop, the authorities called on the population to exercise increased caution.

Risk of wildfires due to drought

In Greece, temperatures have also been rising since the beginning of the week to 40 to 41 degrees in large parts of the country, with up to 42 or 43 degrees expected locally in the interior. According to forecasts, the Greek mainland is particularly affected. On most islands, more pleasant temperatures of 35 to 37 degrees will prevail.

Greece responds with cool rooms

Greece is experiencing the first major heat surge of the summer. After a comparatively mild season so far, the authorities are now taking extensive precautionary measures. Several major Greek cities have opened air-conditioned halls and public spaces between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. as a precaution. People who do not have air conditioning at home in particular can stay there.

The heat is expected to gradually ease from Thursday from the north, while it will persist somewhat longer in the south of the country, according to the meteorological office EMY.

Doctors' behavioral recommendations

Doctors advise drinking sufficient fluids and avoiding physical exertion during the hottest hours of the day. Instead, it is advisable to seek out shady or air-conditioned places and to wear loose, light cotton clothing. In addition, it is recommended to avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and high-fat foods.

The third heatwave in Spain and the first major heat surge in Greece illustrate the trend toward increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events in Southern Europe. Both countries are responding with warning systems, the provision of air-conditioned public spaces, and behavioral recommendations to the population in order to limit the health consequences of the extreme temperatures.