Spain is experiencing more intense heatwaves earlier and more frequently due to climate change. When these happen, Spain’s meteorological agency issue colour-coded alerts to the population. Here’s what they mean and what you should do.
Last year tied with 2024 was Spain’s third-hottest year since records began in 1961 and 2023 was the second hottest.
Some people in northern Europe may think heatwaves are fun – more trips to the beach, barbecues, water fights etc, but those of us in Spain know they’re no joke. Every year they cause heat-related illnesses, wildfires, dangerous conditions for people working outdoors and even deaths.
Scientists have shown that recurring heatwaves are a clear marker of global warming, primarily caused by burning coal, oil and gas — and warn they are set to become more frequent, longer and more intense.
This is why Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has different coloured alerts based on its weather predictions in order to warn the population of extreme heat as well as other phenomena such as storms or high winds.
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Here’s what Aemet’s alerts mean and what you should do in each situation.
Aemet defines an adverse meteorological phenomenon as any “any atmospheric event capable of causing, directly or indirectly, harm to people or considerable material damage”.
When it comes to serious weather conditions, advanced warning is invaluable and can even be a matter of life and death in certain situations. This is why Aemet issue warnings ahead of time and colour code each one to show residents how mild or serious it is.
The National Plan for Prediction and Monitoring of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena is known as Meteoalert.
It aims to provide the best and most up-to-date information possible on the adverse atmospheric phenomena that are expected up to 72 hours in advance. In the summer, these alerts are generally due to extreme temperatures.
The aim is to maintain up to date information on the evolution of weather fronts across Spain’s 17 regions and different 50 provinces.
READ ALSO: Why the extreme heat is wreaking havoc on Europe’s trains
You can find out the latest alerts for your region on this AEMET map.
It shows which regions have coloured alerts in place and the reason, as well as information on current temperatures in your area, rain probability, expected wind speeds and the times they are expected to start and end.
It’s important to note that the thresholds for alerts are not the same for all of Spain, and they depend on different regions. Generally, the red warning for heat is issued at 40-44C, while the orange warning is issued at 37-40C, explains Rubén Del Campo, spokesperson for Aemet.
Because Spain has vastly different climates though, these thresholds can change based on location. For example, it may be an orange alert for heat in Córdoba at 40C, whereas the same temperature might indicate a red alert in Bilbao or other places in northern Spain. This is because the alerts are based on the normal values for a location during a particular time of year, not just one threshold.
The different warning levels tend to be “more restrictive in the southern half of the peninsula, and more lenient in mountainous areas and the far north,” although, in general, they are “very well established,” Del Campo said.
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What do each of the colours mean?
Green – This means there is no meteorological risk. The weather is not expected to cause significant impacts and life can continue as normal.
Yellow – This means that there is no meteorological risk for the general population, although there is for some specific weather fronts in the area. Aemet’s recommendation to pay attention and stay informed of the most up-to-date weather forecast. Some outdoor activities may be disrupted because of heat or other weather patterns at his level.
Orange – These alerts mean there is a significant meteorological risk. It includes unusual meteorological phenomena with a certain degree of danger for usual activities. Aemet recommends that you be prepared, take precautions and stay informed of the latest weather forecast. Regular and outdoor activities may be altered.
Red – This is the highest level of meteorological alert, and it is for extreme risk or unusual meteorological phenomena of exceptional intensity. This could be during a heatwave for example, if values are lot higher than normal for that time of year. It also has a high level of risk for the population. The recommendation for this level is to take preventive measures and act according to the instructions of the authorities. You must also stay informed of the most up-to-date weather forecast. Normal activities may be severely disrupted.
READ ALSO: When will Spain’s heatwave end?
In terms of heat specifically, Aemet urges that extra precautions should be taken during the hottest hours of the day and warns that these extreme temperatures also mean a high risk of wildfires.
Spain’s Ministry of Health have also issued specific advise to follow during a heatwave:
- Drink water and other fluids frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty and regardless of your level of physical activity.
- Avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, or sugary drinks, as these can promote dehydration.
- Pay special attention to babies and young children, infants and pregnant women, as well as the elderly or people with illnesses that can be aggravated by the heat.
- Stay in cool, shady, or air-conditioned places as much as possible, and cool down whenever you need to.
- Try to reduce physical activity and avoid outdoor sports during the hottest hours of the day.
- Wear light, loose-fitting and breathable clothing.
- Never leave anyone in a parked and locked vehicle, especially children, the elderly, or people with chronic illnesses.
- Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms that last more than an hour and may be related to high temperatures.
- Keep your medications in a cool place as heat can alter their composition and effects.
- Eat light meals that help replenish the salts lost through sweat such as lots of salads and fresh fruit.
