Europe weather maps turn dark red as 41C African heatwave blasts into Spain

Southern and eastern Europe are set to remain in the grip of a sweltering heatwave over the next few days, new weather maps show.

Mediterranean Europe turns dark red in a weather map of the continent by WXCHarts, which uses data from MetDesk, forecasting the temperatures for July 17.

The Balkans are also expected to experience blistering heat, while northern European countries including Germany and Scandinavia appear to be spared by the heatwave for the time being.

Spain in particular is set to remain firmly in the grip of a heatwave blowing burning heat from the African continent, with temperatures in most areas across the country comfortably in the 30sC.

Seville, which a weather expert previously warned is “turning into a desert” due to hot temperatures regularly blasting the area, is among the cities forecasted to reach 40C on Wednesday afternoon. 

In anticipation of the new wave of hot temperatures, Spain’s weather agency Aemet has issued several weather warnings for July 17.

Two of these warnings, lasting from 1pm to 9pm local time, alert the local population in the Cordoba area as well as in Cazorla y Segura in the Jaen region about high temperatures, with the latter area expected to reach 41C.

Spain isn’t the only nation issuing warnings to urge its population and tourists to shield from the sun during the hottest hours of the day, remain hydrated and take all the necessary precautions to keep safe.

The Italian Health Ministry issued for July 16 a red alert for 12 cities, warning everybody living or visiting there rather than just vulnerable people could be negatively affected by the heat.

The British Red Cross is also pleading with Britons going on holiday abroad to be careful amid the lasting heatwave, stressing “extreme heat can be deadly”.

William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, wrote on the organisation’s website: “High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to take care to manage the health risks of heat. If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe.”

The sweltering heat, paired with prolonged dry conditions and low humidity levels, also increases wildfire risks, experts have warned.