Spain sees heat‑refuge openings, logistics expansion and political clashes in Madrid and Valencia

The municipality of Leganés launched a ‘Healthy Summer’ campaign, keeping three senior centres – Juan Muñoz, Gregorio Marañón and El Carrascal – open all summer as climate refuges for vulnerable groups, with 328 activity places and digital‑learning workshops.

In the Valencian Community, the state weather agency AEMET issued an orange alert for extreme heat and a yellow storm alert on 21 July. A rare “rebentada càlida” pushed temperatures above 38 °C, with gusts over 80 km/h, causing power and telephone outages and describing the event as “a burning hurricane”.

In Madrid’s city council, Vox spokesperson Javier Ortega Smith was formally expelled from the party’s municipal group, becoming a non‑aligned councillor and denouncing the decision as a “party‑politics affront”.

Logistics firm Palibex expanded its network in Córdoba by incorporating the longtime family company Tradiscor, adding warehousing space, a fleet of 30 vehicles and electric delivery vans to boost outbound freight.

Meanwhile, Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez‑Almeida mocked PSOE spokesperson Reyes Maroto after her primary results, sarcastically praising the support she received and accusing her of “disloyalty” while highlighting the city’s increased equality budget.