Aemet has issued an extreme weather warning for the Spanish provinces of Valencia and Alicante during Holy Week
According to the State Meteorology Agency (Aemet), the weather forecast for this week and the following week, which coincides with Holy Week, will be more extreme than usual.
Despite the arrival of spring typically bringing improved weather during this time, Easter is expected to be exceptionally hot and dry this year, with temperatures rising and little rainfall. This trend is consistent with the weather seen throughout March in the Valencian Community, where the temperatures have been more typical of midsummer than spring.
Aemet warns that the temperatures will be unusually high during the next few days, which confirms the trend of an increasingly early start to the meteorological summer. This thermal anomaly has severe consequences, such as forest fires, which have already burned more than 4,000 hectares in the province of Castellón. According to the President of the Government Pedro Sánchez, these fires are a direct consequence of climate change.
Climate change and the resulting high temperatures are responsible for other anomalies already being experienced in the region. The abnormally high and extreme heat is causing the Mediterranean Sea to warm, with serious consequences for the climate. This warming is also one of the direct causes of increasingly frequent maritime storms and superstorms.
In Valencia, Alicante, and Castelló, the Aemet predicts little cloudy skies with intervals of high clouds and possible morning mists in coastal areas. The temperatures are expected to be significantly high for this time of year, with a notable and even locally extraordinary general rise, especially in the maximum temperatures on the coast of the provinces of Valencia and Alicante.
The west wind will return with strong gusts, further increasing the sensation of heat and suffocation. The maximum temperatures are expected to rise above 30 degrees from Thursday in numerous towns on the coasts and low pre-coastal areas of the provinces of Valencia and Alicante. The coastal and pre-coastal areas may experience “extraordinary” temperature rises of more than 10 degrees.
Here are some tips on how to protect yourself on the beach this summer:
- Wear sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply every two hours or after swimming.
- Seek shade: Take breaks from the sun by sitting under an umbrella or a beach tent.
- Wear protective clothing: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, especially if you’re active on the beach.
- Be aware of the UV index: Check the UV index before heading to the beach and plan accordingly.
- Avoid the sun during peak hours: Try to avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
By following these tips, you can protect yourself and enjoy your time at the beach safely.
Read more: Raging fires in Castellón force more evacuations
