Date Published: 08/07/2021
ARCHIVED - Heatwave will hit Murcia on Monday and could break 47 degree record
ARCHIVED ARTICLE Spain is set to experience a heatwave over the weekend that could heat Murcia up to record levels.
The State Meteorological Agency, Aemet, is predicting that the Region of Murcia could surpass its hottest day ever, when Aemet recorded 46.1 degrees on July 4, 1994, as temperatures look set to potentially reach 47 degrees on Monday, July 12.
It must be noted that data from other meteorological agencies recorded 47.2 degrees in the capital but whichever number you want to go with, the fact remains that it will be hot at the beginning of next week!
Other areas set for some extreme heat are the Guadalentín Valley (running inland from Puerto Lumbreras, through Lorca, crossing the top end of Totana and as far as Alhama at the foot of the Sierra Espuña, Lorca and Águilas which are expected to reach highs of 46 degrees, and Jumilla and Yecla which are set for highs of 44 degrees, as well as 43 degrees predicted for the northwest of the region, which is the higher inalnd areas of Bullas, Caravaca, Cehegín; Calasparra, Moratalla.
The Campo de Cartagena, which runs all the way around the Mar Menor, encompassing Los Alcázares, san Javier, San Pedro and Torre Pacheco, as well as Mazarrón, which are lower and closer to the coast will be given some respite from the heat with temperatures not expected to exceed 35 degrees.
According to Juan Esteban Palenzuela, delegate of the Aemet in the Region of Murcia, this extreme heat over the next few days is due to "an influx of extremely warm air from the African continent from Friday, July 9 which will move towards the north of the Peninsula but will undoubtedly affect the southern half of Spain the most.”
Palenzuela stated that Murcia will likely escape the extreme temperatures over the weekend “because the arrival of easterly winds will bring slightly cooler and more humid air from the Mediterranean.”
However, when the winds weaken and gradually disappear, the high temperatures will emerge in Murcia on Monday and Palenzuela concluded by stating that “it will be difficult for Murcians to go out on Monday because the skies will be clear and the strong sunshine will make the air even hotter.”
Those in the capital who struggled to sleep during the heat earlier this week will have enjoyed the last couple of nights with slightly lower temperatures, however, on Monday overnight temperatures could remain around 25 degrees, officially classified as a "torrid" night rather than a "tropical night".
The Murcian regional government has issued the normal heat-related advice, recommending the use of loose clothing, consumption of plenty of cooling water and staying out of the sun, but has also issued a warning that residents should stay in their homes and not go out into the street during the hottest hours of the day on Monday.
But the good news is that Aemet only expects the heatwave to last until Tuesday, July 13 as most areas of the country will experience a sharp drop in temperature, which will also be notable here in Murcia, falling more than 10 degrees across much of the region in just 24 hours.
Wednesday, July 14 will also be cooler, with maximum temperatures predicted of 32 degrees, a figure that would actually be below the normal for this time of year!
Click the link to find out more weather information for the Region of Murcia.
Images: Aemet