THE first heatwave of 2019 is on its way with temperatures of up to 37ºC expected from this Friday, according to the State meteorological agency, AEMET.
The mercury will start to climb on Friday from around 32ºC in Sevilla and Córdoba – two of Spain's hottest cities – and about 26ºC in Madrid, reaching 36ºC or 37ºC by Sunday in inland Andalucía and 31ºC or 32ºC in the Spanish capital.
Temperatures in the Canary Islands will be at least 15ºC higher than for the time of year, and thermometers will climb by between 9ºC and 10ºC from Friday to Sunday almost everywhere in the country.
Sunday is expected to be especially hot, with climates closer to those seen in late June or early
July than at the beginning of May.
AEMET says this sudden warm front could end up competing with that of 2015 over the same dates – the second-hottest May since 1961, when temperatures on the Mediterranean peaked overnight at 37ºC and even reached 42.6ºC in Valencia and in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.
UV rays will be at their strongest by Sunday, meaning sunscreen is essential for anyone who plans to go outdoors.
The hot weather is guaranteed until at least Monday inclusive, since from Tuesday onwards, temperatures will start to fall again, AEMET says.
