In several areas of the country, wind has become the protagonist of the meteorological newsFrom the Canary Islands to the south and center of the peninsula, the strong gusts, combined with high temperatures and suspended dust, have forced the activation of different alert levels and the adoption of preventive measures to avoid personal and material damage.
Wind not only affects traffic and daily life, but also increases the risk of fires. and hampers emergency management. Authorities have stressed the importance of following self-protection advice, especially in the face of adverse weather conditions that combine high temperatures with intense gusts of wind.
Wind pre-alert in the Canary Islands: affected areas and measures
La General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has updated the wind pre-alert throughout the archipelago, applying the Specific Emergency Plan (PEFMA) starting on the afternoon of June 30. The decision responds to warnings from the State Meteorological Agency and other sources, which anticipate gusts that can exceed 80 km/h in some points.
In addition, the combination of wind with high temperatures and risk of forest fires maintains the alert active in several islands, especially in Gran Canaria, where episodes of intense heat persist.
Persistent easterly wind in Cádiz: heat and discomfort
The arrival of summer has brought with it the dreaded east to the province of Cadiz. This warm, dry wind, channeled through the Strait of Gibraltar, has dominated the Cadiz coast, making life difficult for residents and tourists alike. According to AEMET forecasts, the wind will blow from the east to the southeast with moderate intensity and occasional strong gusts, occasionally exceeding 30-40 km/h.
From next Monday a rotation of winds towards the southwest is expected, which could mean a slight relief in wind chill and wind intensity in the region.
Wind incidents inland: Córdoba and Madrid
In the capital of Cordoba, gusts of up to 61 km/h have caused branches and antennas to fall in different neighborhoods, generating almost a dozen calls to 112 in just one hour, although without personal injuries. incidents affected parked vehicles and raised clouds of dust, adding to the problems caused by two simultaneous fires at the Lobatón landfill and a lot on Virgen de las Angustias Avenue, fueled by the warm air and haze.
In Madrid, the red alert declared by AEMET due to the risk of dry storms and strong gusts of wind forced the temporary closure of emblematic parks such as El Retiro Park and the Manzanares Linear Park. These preventive closures, contemplated in the municipal emergency protocol, are activated for Avoid accidents caused by falling branches or unstable elements during windy episodes, thus protecting visitors and workers in green areas.
Tips and recommendations for strong winds
Authorities insist on the need to adopt prevention measures both at home and when travelling:
- Remove or secure objects on balconies, windows and roofs that can be blown away by the wind.
- Stay away from scaffolding, signs, large trees, and buildings in poor condition, especially during strong gusts.
- Avoid walking through parks, wooded areas, and places where branches or other objects may fall.
- In the event of a fire risk alert, do not light fires or throw cigarette butts or flammable objects in forest or agricultural areas.
- During intense heat, refrain from physical exercise during peak hours and stay hydrated, seeking cool, shady spaces.
In the event of any serious incident or emergency, it is recommended that you contact 112 for immediate assistance.
The windy weather recorded in recent days has tested the response capacity of emergency services and the preparedness of the public. Pre-alerts, warnings, and recommendations aim to minimize risks and prevent major incidents, especially in situations where wind is combined with high temperatures and the risk of fires, conditions that could recur throughout the summer.
