The European heatwave has selected its next victim as the first episode of extreme heat is expected to arrive in the Spanish province of Málaga on Wednesday July 10, caused by the presence of a westerly wind, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
Such wind is feared on the Costa del Sol for being dry, overheated and turbulent, accompanied by a sharp rise in temperatures.
If the announced forecasts are met, the weather episode will last from Wednesday to Friday, with Friday July 12 being the hottest day with probabilities of temperatures reaching 40C in many places.
As such, AEMET will activate a yellow warning for high temperatures on Wednesday from 1pm in the provinces of Granada, Jaén, Córdoba, Seville and Cádiz. The warning will be in effect until 9pm on Wednesday.
On Friday, temperatures are expected to exceed 50C inland in the Guadalhorce Valley, particularly in municipalities like Cártama (40C) or Coín (41C) and throughout the interior of the province in general. Temperatures in the capital will stay below 40C, with estimated highs of 38C, as also forecasted for Vélez Málaga.
MeteoAlarm has issued a warning for people to “be aware” as temperatures could lead to “moderate” damages to people and properties, especially those vulnerable or in exposed areas.
The Foreign Office has also provided advice for travellers, suggesting they keep up to date with AEMET and European Meteorological Services on severe weather warnings. They also recommended resources including the NHS guidance on coping with hot weather and recommendations from the Spanish Ministry of Health (available in Spanish).
They also suggest checking in with your travel provider and following the advice of local authorities.
Advice includes keeping windows and blinds tightly closed to prevent heat from entering, only going out when necessary and during less extreme hours (early morning or late evening), wearing light-coloured and fresh fabrics, staying hydrated at all times, and patiently waiting for the wind to change.
The weekend will bring some relief thanks to the arrival of an easterly wind, which will sharply lower temperatures in Málaga.