Western Europe is facing a record heat wave: temperatures above 40°C

Spain is preparing for an episode of exceptional heatwave, with temperatures that could exceed 40 degrees Celsius in the south of the country, the National Meteorological Agency (AEMET) warned. According to specialists, the values forecasted around June 1 are the highest recorded for this period in the last 75 years.

• Hot air from North Africa brings extreme temperatures

AEMET explained that this heat wave is determined by a mass of very warm air coming from North Africa, which will affect the entire Iberian Peninsula until at least Sunday. Temperatures will be on average 6-7°C higher than normal for this period. Ruben del Campo, the agency's spokesman, warned that in some areas of northern, eastern and southern Spain, maximum temperatures will be more than 10°C above normal. In Andalusia in the south of the country, temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C, which could lead to records being broken for May.

• A new alarm signal on the climate crisis

Spain has been on the front lines of the climate crisis for years. The last three years have been the warmest in the country's history, with multiple episodes of extreme heat. Last winter was the second in a row without a cold wave, and nine of the last ten winters have been warmer than average. According to experts, these events are not random: heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change caused by human activities. These extreme weather events, along with drought and wildfires, pose a growing threat to public health, agriculture and biodiversity. AEMET advises the population to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, to hydrate properly and to pay increased attention to vulnerable people, such as the elderly and children.