Spain Enters Its Third Heat Wave

The third heat wave this summer in Spain is expected to peak today, Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 44 degrees Celsius in the central and southern parts of the country, while authorities warn of the risks of wildfires. The official meteorological agency stated that temperatures could also rise to 40 degrees Celsius in the Basque Country in northeastern Spain, an area that does not usually experience such high temperatures. The agency warned about what are known as dry storms, which are accompanied by thunder and lightning without rainfall, in several parts of the country. Southern European countries are experiencing record temperatures this summer, prompting authorities to warn of health risks, particularly for the elderly and the sick. Spanish meteorological spokesperson Rubén del Campo said, “Wednesday will be the hottest day in terms of temperatures.” The heat waves recorded in Spain and Europe in general this summer have exacerbated droughts, leading to decreased water storage levels along with increased evaporation and consumption of water, prompting authorities in Catalonia to impose new restrictions on water usage.