Indeed, the heat that Spain experienced in July was very unusual. Not usual. What was a sensation was also confirmed by scientific data: last month became the hottest ever recorded in the country by instruments. Its average temperature was the highest recorded since 1961. Not in July, but in any month. The average was 25.6ºC, which is 2.7ºC higher than the average from 1981 to 2010.
“Extremely warm” is the rating for this Monday by the state weather agency. The previous global temperature record was set in July 2015, building on a trend already identified by Aemet: global warming and the climate crisis have led to longer, hotter summers with temperature peaks in Spain.
According to the areas, in Galicia, central and southern Castilla y León, Community of Madrid, Extremadura, western Castilla-La Mancha and points in the interior of Andalusia and the Pyrenees, the “thermal anomaly”, i.e. the difference between the average. History and what was measured reached 4ºC.
“The maximum daily temperature exceeded the normal value by 3.3 °C on average, and the minimum by 2.2 °C,” the agency said after reviewing its measuring stations.
In addition, the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands experienced “the most significant heat wave since records exist” that month. It was the longest, most intense, and second longest recording. It affected 40 provinces and the average temperature was 4.8ºC higher. In the Canary Islands, they had two heat waves in July.
Extreme heat has a serious impact on people’s health. Every heat wave means an increase in deaths in Spain. Participants in this course confirmed that the relationship had already been approved before. A mortality that, in addition, affects more people with low incomes. The heat kills, and it happens more to the poor.
The temperature will not budge. In fact, Aemet believes that the hot episode currently active is on track to be declared a “heat wave” that began on July 30 and will last until at least August 9.
Source: El Diario
