We are experiencing an unusual heat wave in Spain. In recent days, the highest temperatures so far this summer have been registered, a season that, far from ending, seems to be being delayed. 45,4ºC in Las Cabezas de San Juan (Seville), 42,9ºC in Xàtiva (Valencia), 39ºC in Ses Salines, Mallorca (Balearic Islands)… and so on, until 38 provinces spending a scorching summer, to say the least.
Now, is this really a heat wave? According to experts from the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), a heat wave must last at least three consecutive days and be felt in more than 10% of cities, where the orange warning threshold must be reached, something that is currently happening: a total of 38 provinces are on alert for heat, with temperatures ranging between 34 and 43ºC.
This heat wave is aggravated not only by the extreme temperatures, but also by the unusual timing of its occurrence. As explained by Modesto Sánchez Barriga, spokesperson for AEMET, extreme temperatures have been recorded, such as 39ºC at the Santiago de Compostela airport, the 42,3ºC in Cáceres or the 39,8ºC in Albacete.
The effects of this heat wave are palpable throughout the country, affecting public health as well as agriculture and the economy. High temperatures can cause dehydration, heatstroke and other health problems, especially among the most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, and people with pre-existing conditions. Furthermore, heat stress can impact agricultural production, with crops that do not tolerate extreme heat well, which can lead to economic losses significant. To delve deeper into this matter, you can consult the impacts of heat waves.
Why is this heat wave happening?
The September heat wave phenomenon may be associated with multiple climatic factors. Although there is no consensus yet, experts believe that the end of the meteorological phenomenon known as El Niño is contributing to this phenomenon. At the end of El Niño, the atmosphere undergoes changes that promote the global warmingThis is because energy is released, altering air circulation, as explained by Belén Rodríguez de Fonseca of the Department of Geophysics and Meteorology at the Complutense University of Madrid.
When El Niño comes to an end and gives way to La niñaHeat waves and droughts are common in various parts of the world, including Europe. This pattern, in the context of global warming, may be one of the reasons behind the unusual heat wave we are experiencing this year. However, meteorologists caution that it is premature to draw definitive conclusions about the cause of this phenomenon. For more information on the phenomenon, see our article on how heat waves occur.
Background of heat waves in September
This isn't the first year that Spain has experienced heat waves in September. In fact, historical records show that heat waves have occurred in this month in previous years. For example, in the 70th century, there were significant events in the 80s and XNUMXs, such as the heat wave in the Canary Islands. 28 from August to 10 from September from 1976 and another that affected the Iberian Peninsula 5 of the septiembre 8 of 1988, where maximum temperatures of between 35 and 40 ºC were recorded in multiple provinces.
In 2016, an extreme episode was experienced at the beginning of September, where Córdoba airport recorded a maximum temperature of 45,1 ° C, which the next day rose to 45,4 ° C. This type of event has been on the rise, reflecting a pattern that may be attributable to the climate changeAccording to a study by AEMET, summer in Spain has lengthened at a rate of 9 days per decade since the 1970s. If you want to know more about these phenomena, check out the article on forget the record heat waves in Spain.
Expectations for September
Weather forecasts for September suggest that while some regions could experience above-average temperatures, as has been observed, other locations could experience significant drops. According to recent data, the month is expected to start with relatively unstable weather, including possible storms. However, temperatures are expected to rise again toward the end of the month, creating a turbulent landscape that could maintain extreme heat in some areas.
The AEMET has also pointed out drought patterns that could manifest themselves throughout the national territory, with probabilities of up to 70% temperatures above the usual averages in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. This means that, despite the arrival of meteorological autumn, the hot weather could persist longer than expected. For more details, you can read about Heat waves in July 2022.
On the other hand, the Copernicus analysis has highlighted that September 2023 is the second warmest on record, underscoring the severity of the climate situation. Throughout September, the average surface air temperature reached 16,17 ° C, which represents a considerable increase compared to historical levels and a clear sign of the anomalies that are occurring worldwide and that also affect Spain.
With these data in mind, it is not only important to closely monitor current weather conditions but also to implement preventive and adaptive measures to mitigate the effects of heat, especially in such dynamic contexts as those expected in the coming weeks. Awareness of the risks posed by heat waves, along with a proactive approach to public health and water management, will be key to addressing these climate challenges.
Thus, the combination of adverse weather conditions, longer summers, and the impact of climate change highlight the urgency of taking effective measures to be better prepared for future heat waves.
