The Ministry of Health raises the alert level in Antequera to medium risk starting Sunday, with highs that could exceed 43 ºC on Thursday, July 23.
The State Meteorological Agency and the Ministry of Health have issued a special warning due to the arrival of an intense heatwave that will affect the entire peninsula, but will hit the Antequera region and the interior of Andalusia particularly hard. Although the episode is officially declared on Tuesday, July 21, temperatures will start to rise from the weekend.
The origin of this situation lies in an atmospheric blockage that, combined with a DANA to the west of the peninsula and a high-pressure system over northern Africa, will drive a very warm, dry air mass with suspended dust. Haze will be a prominent feature, and the risk of wildfires will rise to extreme levels throughout the province of Málaga.
Temperature evolution in Antequera
On Saturday, July 18, temperatures will already be high, with local maxima exceeding 40 ºC in river valleys, although the health alert level remains yellow (low risk). Starting Sunday 19 and Monday 20, the Ministry of Health raises the alert to orange (medium risk) in Antequera, with highs of 39 to 41 ºC in the Genil and Guadalquivir basins.
On Tuesday 21, the official start of the heatwave, temperatures will generally rise: in the Genil basin, between 40 and 42 ºC is expected, with nights that will be excessively hot. Similar records will be maintained on Wednesday 22. Thursday 23 will be the most critical day: temperatures in the Guadalquivir area, adjacent sierras, and the Genil basin will climb to 41-43 ºC, with some areas in the southern third of the peninsula potentially exceeding 45 ºC. Authorities are urging extreme caution during the central hours of the day.
From Friday 24, a general cooling is expected, although experts warn that uncertainty is high and the episode could extend into the weekend. For the residents of Antequera and surrounding areas like Cartaojal, this means days of extreme heat requiring preventive measures.
Health recommendations for extreme heat
Health authorities remind the public to follow basic guidelines to avoid heat strokes. Drink water regularly even if not thirsty, stay cool in air-conditioned spaces or in the shade, and avoid direct exposure to heat and intense physical activity between 12:00 and 18:00 are the main recommendations.
Special attention should be paid to the most vulnerable groups: the elderly, pregnant women, children under 4 years old, chronic illness sufferers (cardiovascular, respiratory, or mental health issues), and those who work outdoors. In Antequera, municipal social services have already activated monitoring protocols for the most fragile residents.
The Health Department of the Antequera City Council also recommends keeping homes cool by closing blinds and windows during the day and ventilating at night. Additionally, they remind that the use of air conditioning should be moderate to avoid abrupt temperature contrasts.
For farmers in the region, the heatwave arrives at a delicate time for irrigated crops. High temperatures and haze can affect fruit trees and vegetables, so it is advised to advance irrigation to the early morning or evening hours.
On Thursday 23, the peak day, maximum temperatures in Antequera are expected to reach 43 ºC, a figure not recorded since the summer of 2022. Temperatures will not drop below 25 ºC at night, making rest difficult. Municipal swimming pools will extend their hours until 21:00 to help residents cope with the heat.
Authorities are calling for responsibility and common sense: if symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, or reddened and hot skin occur, seek medical help immediately. In case of emergency, call 112.
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