Europe heatwave sees weather maps turn grey as 44C scorcher to hit Spain

Spain could be hit by scorching temperatures of up to 44C as the brutal heatwave sweeping across southern Europe this summer shows no sign of ending. 

The latest weather maps from WXCHARTS forecast temperature highs of over 40C across the south of the continent next week (July 23 to August 2), with several countries issuing weather warnings.

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a special warning due to the weather that will affect a large part of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. 

This heatwave is being caused by a large African anticyclone that has intensified over the last few days, and will bring extremely high temperatures over the weekend.

The southwest Spain and south Portugal could see highs of between 40C-44C with the hottest area being between Lisbon, Badajoz and Seville.

Héctor Tejero, the Spanish Health Ministry’s head of health and climate change, said: “The heat is killing 3,000 people a year and it’s going to get worse. But while exposure to extreme heat is going to rise, we can also step up our adaptation to it.

“Although it’s hotter in Spain than it was 20 years ago, fewer people are dying because homes are better adapted, because we have air conditioning, and because people are getting into a culture of dealing with the heat.”

The weather maps from WXCHARTS also show Italy will see highs of 37C in Bari and Catania, Greece will see highs of 39C in Larissa and Turkey will see highs of 40C in Izmir and Aydin.

The countries are experiencing forest fires due to the dry heat, with the Greek government urging people to be careful as “even one spark can cause a major catastrophe”.

The AEMET has advised people to follow its daily updates and take precautionary measures to avoid heat stroke, especially among the most vulnerable groups. 

It is crucial to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and intense physical activity during the hottest hours of the day.