Spain is going through an episode of exceptionally high temperatures more typical of “full summer dog days” that of the spring, as reported by the AState Meteorological Agency (AEMET). This situation is caused by a powerful anticyclonic ridge over Western Europe, an atmospheric pattern that generates great stability, reduces ventilation and favors a sustained increase in temperatures.
Why is it so hot? The three key factors
The dorsal They are areas of high pressure both on the surface and at medium and high levels of the troposphere. Its main effect is to stabilize the atmosphere. According to the AEMET spokesperson, Rubén del Campo, this type of configuration prevents the development of vertical air currents, which contributes to the heat is “trapped” near the surface.
Added to this phenomenon is the very high position of the sun at this time of yearso the Earth’s surface receives a large amount of solar radiation. The heat absorbed by the soil is then transmitted to the atmosphere. and, under such a powerful ridge, it is retained, preventing temperatures from dropping easily, explains Del Campo. As a consequence, “the maximum values remain very high and even increase slightly from one day to the next” with values of the “warmest of the summer, the dog days”.
Furthermore, another key phenomenon comes into play: “the subsidence.” It is the descent of air from high layers of the atmosphere to lower levels. During this descent, the air is compressed and heated, which adds extra heating and contributes to reinforcing extreme temperatures. In the current episode, this subsidence is being very “intense.”
The temperatures are already between 5 and 10 degrees higher than usual for the time and even more than 10 degrees in areas of the northern third of the peninsula. In large areas, temperatures are exceeding 34 degreess, while tropical nights are recorded, with minimums that do not drop below 20 degrees.
The episode is also leaving historical records for the month of May in several observatories. An exceptionally warm night has been recorded in San Sebastián, while In Santander 37.1 degrees have been reached, the highest value for this month since there are records.
Forecast: the heat will continue for the next few days
The forecast indicates the continuity of the heat. This Wednesday and Thursday will be especially warm days, with temperatures that may reach 38 degrees in large areas of the center, south and northeast of the peninsula. In the Guadalquivir valley and other areas of the southwest, similar values are not ruled out.
He Friday temperatures will drop somewhat Cantabrianalthough Oviedo will still be around 28 degrees and Bilbao 30 degrees. In the rest of the country, especially in the east of the peninsula, even a slight thermal rebound is expected. The minimum temperatures will not drop below 20 degrees in large areas of the northeast, the Mediterranean and the center and south of the peninsula.
Inside the Valencian Community, temperatures will exceed 36 degreesas in much of the center and south. Seville and Badajoz could reach 38 degrees, while Zaragoza and Lleida could even exceed them. The Balearic Islands will also register very high temperatures, with up to 35 degrees in the interior of Mallorca.
During these days the sun will predominate, although some haze in areas of the western peninsula and the Evolution cloud formation with showers and storms isolated in mountainous areas, especially in the north.
During the weekend, temperatures They will lower in the north due to the arrival of cooler winds, but they will continue to be very high in the rest of the peninsula, with maximums that could reach 38 to 40 degrees in points in the south. The AEMET points out that This situation could continue, at leastuntil the middle of next week, in a context of persistent atmospheric stability and temperatures well above normal for this time of year.