The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued an unprecedented warning: Spain faces an autumn that could break all high temperature records. Instead of temperatures that invite us to wear sweaters and scarves, the country is expected to experience temperatures more typical of the summer dog days. In this way, the careful monitoring of weather maps by AEMET experts points to a worrying scenario.
This scenario is not only atypical but dangerous, with areas of the country that could reach 40 degrees Celsius. The figures are especially alarming given that we are talking about the month of October, a time when temperatures generally begin to drop. The aggravating factor of this climatic phenomenon is the extreme risk of forest fires in certain regions, exacerbated by high temperatures.
Monday, October 2, is shaping up to be a particularly critical day, with temperatures that will be significantly above seasonal standards and could reach figures never seen before for this time.
The fact that these temperatures are so abnormally high not only has implications for daily comfort, but poses an extreme risk of wildfires. In conditions of intense heat, vegetation dries more quickly and becomes more flammable, exponentially increasing the likelihood of fires, both spontaneous and arson. This makes certain areas of the country critical points that require special attention and surveillance during this period.
The Michaelmas summer phenomenon, a short period of warmer weather often experienced in the fall, could be a partial explanation for this increase in temperature. However, the intensity and duration of the predicted heat go far beyond what would typically be expected from this seasonal phenomenon.
As for the more immediate forecasts, for the weekend of September 30 to October 1, clear weather is expected in most of the peninsula. However, some high clouds will be observed in the south of the peninsula and more notable cloudiness in the Canary Islands.
Temperatures will vary regionally, with a significant increase in the Cantabrian coast and the Canary Islands, while in Andalusia there will be a slight decrease, although heat levels will still be maintained.
