Spain Braces for Scorching Summer Heatwave

Spain is set to experience its first heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to exceed 38 degrees Celsius. The government has launched a heat risk awareness campaign to address the dangers, especially for outdoor workers. Severe warnings and measures, including bans on some outdoor work, have been issued.

Spain is gearing up for its first significant heatwave of the summer, starting Thursday, as reported by the meteorology service AEMET. The government rolled out a heat risk awareness campaign on Wednesday, particularly targeting outdoor workers.

With the Iberian Peninsula experiencing unusually cool weather so far this summer, temperatures are predicted to surpass 38 degrees Celsius, peaking at 42-44 degrees in the southern Guadalquivir Valley. The peak is anticipated on Friday, with most regions warming up to 40 degrees Celsius.

AEMET has issued a severe heat alert for large parts of Spain, including the Balearic Islands. The National Institute for Safety and Health at Work launched the "With sun it's time for caution" campaign to tackle risks like heat stroke and solar radiation.

The government's orange-level heat alert will enforce a ban on certain outdoor activities in the afternoon, following a decree approved last year to address the increasing frequency of heatwaves due to climate change. This includes outdoor work such as street cleaning and agriculture.

AEMET spokesperson Luis Banon cautioned against underestimating the heat, emphasizing the importance of hydration and safe working conditions. The heatwave is expected to last until Saturday, with the possibility of lingering heat into next week. The episode will also bring haze from Africa, exacerbating health concerns.

In Madrid, where temperatures hit 36 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, residents found ways to cool off at parks and fountains. "I cope by using a fan if I'm outside or by visiting cooler places like shopping centers," Madrid resident Angela de la Vega shared with Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies.)