Reacción a "Many regions of Spain will experience unusually warm weather for this time of year"

Is it normal to see these temperatures at this time of year?

"These are not normal temperatures (those corresponding to the average daily extremes dictated by the climate), but we are moving towards a new normal in which these episodes of intense heat outside the summer period, both in spring and autumn, are becoming more likely. Apart from its exceptional nature, the heatwave we are experiencing is also striking because it comes at the end of a spring in which we have had below-average temperatures for much of the season, which has been accompanied by a weather pattern that is also unusual due to its persistence."

And is it normal for it to affect so many areas of Spain?

"From a meteorological point of view, the current situation is no different from what usually occurs in the middle of a heatwave, which is, climatologically speaking, the period of highest temperatures of the year. The ridge of warm air that has settled over the peninsula and the Balearic Islands extends over much of the territory, which is why the rise in temperatures is widespread, with the heat extending over most of Spain. From Thursday onwards, the high temperatures will be accompanied by haze. Saharan dust will move in from the south of the peninsula, clouding the skies over the entire Atlantic coast. The greatest haze is expected across the south-west of the peninsula, Ceuta and Melilla. The presence of haze will lead to a string of warm or tropical nights (with minimum temperatures not falling below 20 °C) in the centre-south-east of the peninsula and in the Balearic Islands.

What recommendations would you make to the population, which only a few days ago was experiencing colder than normal temperatures?

"The recommendations are not very different from those given in summer when we have a similar heatwave or even a heatwave. We have the advantage that our homes are still cool, although they will gradually warm up as the week progresses. It is important to try to keep our homes cool by opening and closing windows and blinds at the right times of day.

Another factor to bear in mind is that, unlike in summer, we are still in the school year, so we need to protect pupils (especially the youngest ones) and teaching staff as best we can, both while they are at school (adequate ventilation in classrooms, hydration, etc.) and when they leave, which is when the sun is at its strongest.

We will increasingly face this type of situation, to which we will have to adapt quickly in order to reduce the impact of extreme heat on us.