Summer began just over a month ago, and extreme heat arrived at the same time: heat that has been present intermittently ever since and, as of this Wednesday, is once again at the center of what is now the fourth heat wave of this summer season, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
The heat wave is expected to last at least until this Sunday, August 2: forecasts suggest that temperatures are likely to drop on Monday, but it is still too early to say for certain.
This fourth heat wave is affecting large areas of the Iberian Peninsula—reaching or exceeding 38 °C across much of the peninsula—and the Canary Islands, where temperatures will exceed 35 °C. The extreme heat will be accompanied by a dust storm that will also reach the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, according to the AEMET’s special advisory.
The high temperatures will also keep the risk of wildfires at very high or extreme levels across most of the country.
The municipalities in Madrid that will be hardest hit by the fourth heat wave
In the case of the Community of Madrid, the high temperatures forecast for the coming days—between Thursday and Sunday, after which temperatures are expected to drop— will not fall below 34 ºC even in the municipalities least affected by the heat.
The significant conditions highlighted by the AEMET include maximum temperatures that will exceed 36 degrees in the Sierra and 38–39 degrees elsewhere.
The most affected areas of the region will be the south, the river valleys, the west, the metropolitan area, and the Henares region, with the highest temperatures recorded in Alcalá de Henares and Aranjuez, reaching highs of 40 ºC. Close behind are Getafe (39 ºC) and the city of Madrid and Navalcarnero, both at 38 ºC.
On Friday, July 31, on the other hand, there is a chance of “calima,” which could negatively impact air quality.