Spain endures intense heat wave as temperatures soar
A prolonged heat wave is affecting large parts of Spain, with daytime highs reaching 30 °C in towns such as Selva, Alicante, Guía de Isora and Talavera la Real. Forecasts for July 13 describe clear skies, strong sunshine and modest breezes, while humidity remains high. The extreme temperatures have also disrupted railway services: Alvia trains on the Madrid‑Extremadura route repeatedly lose air‑conditioning when outside temperatures exceed 35 °C, prompting passenger complaints and temporary ticket‑sale suspensions.
Scientific commentary notes that Europe’s heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe. Data from AEMET and European agencies show the average summer temperature in Spain has risen 1.75 °C since 1961, with the last twelve hottest years all occurring in the 21st century. A commentary in Spanish outlets argues the current heat is a natural cycle rather than evidence of climate change, citing historic Saharan dust events.
Similar weather patterns are reported elsewhere in the region. Guatemala’s national meteorological service warns of a week of hot, humid conditions with afternoon rain and thunderstorms, while Venezuela’s institute forecasts alternating rain and intense heat across the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. A technical analysis from an Italian source highlights the broader trend of “trains of heat waves” across Europe, where successive heat episodes leave little time for recovery.
Overall, the heat wave is producing health risks, strain on infrastructure, and heightened public debate about its origins.