Spain has been hit by an abnormal heat wave for the fourth time this summer and its peak is expected in the coming days, EFE news agency reported on Monday.
According to forecasts, temperatures are expected to reach between 39 and 43 degrees Celsius in different parts of the country on Monday and Tuesday. Thus, around 40 degrees is expected in the Balearic Islands region, as well as in the southwest and northeast of Spain. In the south-west of Andalusia thermometer columns will rise to 43 degrees. In the central part of the country, as well as in the southern part of Galicia and Mallorca – about 39 degrees Celsius. In Catalonia’s Lerida and Girona, as well as in Barcelona, residents were urged to prepare not only for temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius, but also for storms and heavy rain.
In most of the country, the risk of forest fires due to abnormally high temperatures is assessed as high.
This heat wave is expected to last until August 24 and then subside. The cooling will first come to the western part of the country, and closer to the weekend will spread to the rest of Spain.
Because of the hot weather, forest fires are raging in the country. This year, natural fires in Spain have already destroyed almost 64 thousand hectares.