Spain is bracing for record-breaking April temperatures this week as a hot and dry air mass from Africa sweeps northward. According to the national weather service AEMET, temperatures in central and southern Spain are expected to be 15 to 20 degrees Celsius higher than normal for this time of year, with some areas potentially reaching 40 degrees Celsius. This heatwave has raised concerns for schools that do not have air conditioning and are struggling to keep students and staff cool. Some schools are considering changing their schedules to allow for outdoor activities earlier in the day.
The high temperatures also increase the risk of wildfires in the country, which has already seen unusually early fires burn more than 10,000 acres in late March. The prolonged drought in parts of southern Spain and the northeast, near Barcelona, has exacerbated the situation. Rainfall has been very low, with March levels only at 36% compared with the monthly average rainfall, and reservoirs at only about half of their capacity. In Catalonia, water levels are at about 25%, and water restrictions are already in place.
The lack of water is having a severe impact on the country's farmers, with the Union for Small Farmers and Ranchers describing the situation as "agonizing." Even fruit and olive trees, which are normally more resistant to drought, are being heavily affected due to years of low precipitation and intense heat.
The early extreme heat is expected to continue into the weekend, and authorities are urging people to take precautions and stay hydrated. The Spanish government has also activated a heatwave warning system to help prevent heat-related health issues.