The province of Málaga is experiencing a weekend of extreme heat with yellow warnings. Pizarra leads the temperatures at 43 degrees, while the capital nears 36. Aemet forecasts that the peak will arrive on Thursday, with highs of up to 47 degrees in some municipalities.
The thermometer shows no mercy in the province of Málaga. This Saturday, Pizarra has become the hottest spot with 43 degrees, according to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). Close behind are Álora and Coín, both at 41 degrees, and Manilva, at 40. In the capital, the maximums reach 36 degrees and the minimums do not drop below 25, a trend that will continue on Sunday.
The yellow warning for high temperatures remains in effect this Saturday in the regions of Antequera, Sol and Guadalhorce, and will extend on Sunday to the Serranía de Ronda, the Antequera area, the capital, the Western Coast and the Guadalhorce. Cártama also suffers maximums close to 40 degrees, with minimums of 25. In Ronda, maximums of 38 degrees and minimums of 23 are expected; in Antequera, 39 and 23; and in Alhaurín de la Torre, 38 and 25.
The coast, a relative relief
While the interior boils, the coastal municipalities enjoy a respite. Marbella records a maximum of 28 degrees and a minimum of 21 this Saturday, rising to 32 and 23 on Sunday. Fuengirola fluctuates between 32 and 24 degrees on Saturday, and 31 and 22 on Sunday. Benalmádena reaches a maximum of 35 degrees on Saturday and a minimum of 24. Estepona, slightly warmer, marks 36 and 34 degrees as maximums on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
On the eastern coast, Rincón de la Victoria will hover around maximums of 34 degrees and minimums of 25; Vélez-Málaga, 36 and 24; and Nerja, 32 and 25. The sea breeze softens the temperatures, but does not prevent the feeling of muggy heat.
Next week: the peak of the heatwave
Aemet warns that the worst is yet to come. Temperatures will progressively increase during the next week, with Thursday 23 and Friday 24 July being the most critical days. Pizarra could reach 47 degrees on Thursday and 46 on Friday. Coín will hit 45 degrees on Thursday. The capital of Málaga could touch 44 degrees on Friday, while Marbella, Antequera, Vélez-Málaga and Estepona will range between 41 and 43 degrees.
The president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, has issued a warning on his social media: "A heatwave is beginning in much of Andalucía that could last 20 days, according to experts. Please, extreme caution. Let’s take care, especially of our elderly and young ones. And follow all recommendations."
The Minister of Presidency, Health and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, has also urged "prudence" in the face of a heatwave that is "concerning, intense and extensive," with its peak expected next Thursday. The danger will be "significant" until the following weekend, according to his words.
In case of any warning symptoms such as dizziness, headache or disorientation, authorities recommend calling the emergency number 112. The main recommendation is to avoid going outside during the hottest hours of the day, wear light clothing, stay hydrated constantly, and protect pets. Common sense and caution are the best tools to cope with these days of extreme heat.
