Spain is hunkering down and panting during one of the earliest heatwaves ever recorded in the country, a foretaste of what lies ahead, experts say.
Temperatures have passed 40 degrees Celsius in several places in Spain, which has been hit by temperatures more common in mid-summer than in early June. Orange warnings – the second highest level – have been issued in several of the country's 17 regions.
The ongoing heatwave is one of the three earliest recorded in Spain so far. It took hold of the country on Saturday and has since led to temperatures up to 12 degrees above average for this time of year, according to the Spanish weather agency Aemet.
Abnormal temperatures
The early heat also follows a May that was the warmest recorded in Spain in 100 years.
"It's a very unusual situation. These temperatures are not normal for mid-June," Aemets spokesman Ruben del Campo told AFP.
Climate change, fueled by the world's reliance on fossil fuels, is making heat waves more likely, according to scientists. As global temperatures rise, they are expected to become more frequent, intense, and persistent, with more widespread effects.
"Although extreme heat is not unknown for June, it is a fact that heat waves have become five times more common during the 21st century," del Campo told Reuters news agency.
Global warming means Spanish summers are starting 20 to 40 days earlier than they did 50 years ago, according to Aemet. Last year was Spain's driest and hottest on record, with a record high of 47.4 degrees in Córdoba province.
“Climate change is an absolute reality,” says the regional head of government in the hard-hit Andalusia, according to AFP.
Spreading
However, somewhat cooler weather is expected in Spain this weekend – but the warm air has instead moved north.
The French weather service Météo France is warning of temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius, which is hotter than usual for this time of year. The heat is also expected to worsen the drought that is already threatening crops in many parts of France.
Italy and the UK are also reported to be preparing for warmer temperatures.
Source:TT-Aftonbladet.se
