Spain braces for extreme heatwave with temperatures up to +47°C – what it means for Ukraine

Europe faces another scorching heatwave

According to УНІАН — Туризм: A powerful anticyclone is set to bring blistering air from the Sahara across Europe, triggering a new heatwave. Spain will bear the brunt, with temperatures forecast to hit +45…+47 °C. Portugal and France will also feel the heat, but Ukraine is expected to stay cool, with temperatures dropping to +20…+27 °C, according to forecasters.

Southwestern Europe will be under the influence of this high-pressure system, driving up temperatures. Spain faces the toughest conditions, where nighttime lows will not fall below +25 °C. On Wednesday, central parts of the country could see +42…+44 °C, and by Thursday and Friday, some areas may reach +44…+46 °C, with isolated spots hitting +47 °C. The worst of the heat will affect southern, central, and eastern Spain.

Portugal and France also affected

Portugal will also experience high temperatures, reaching +34…+40 °C, though thermometers are expected to drop to +28…+33 °C by the end of the week. In France, southern regions will face +37…+39 °C on Thursday. The combination of extreme heat, dry air, and gusty winds creates a high risk of wildfires across the Iberian Peninsula.

By late July, this abnormal heat zone may start spreading to other parts of Western and Central Europe. Meanwhile, Ivan Semilit, a forecaster at the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center, says the European heatwave poses no threat to Ukraine. Over the coming days, temperatures across Ukraine will decrease, with daytime highs of +20…+27 °C expected nationwide by the second half of the week. Kyiv will remain largely unaffected by the severe weather hitting other regions.

This European heatwave could have serious health consequences, especially in areas with the highest temperatures.

Authorities in affected countries are likely to implement protective measures, including advice on staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged sun exposure. Given the wildfire risks, especially in Spain and Portugal, additional restrictions on open flames may be introduced. At the same time, the cooling trend in Ukraine offers a welcome break from heat-related dangers, which could be a key factor for the population during this period.

As Spain grapples with unprecedented heat, neighboring countries like France are also facing severe challenges. In response to soaring temperatures, France has implemented water usage restrictions to mitigate the impact of this extreme weather. Such measures highlight the widespread effects of the heatwave across Europe, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies in the face of climate extremes.