Extreme Heat Alert in Euskadi: Brace for Scorching 39°C Temperatures!

Extreme Heat Alert in Euskadi: Brace for Scorching 39°C Temperatures!

In a time when rising temperatures have become a familiar foe, Euskadi is bracing for extreme heat, with a significant orange alert activated for today, August 10, 2025. The warning is in effect from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM today and will continue into Monday, lasting from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Meteorologists are forecasting sweltering temperatures that could touch around 38 degrees Celsius in the transitional zone and soar to an alarming 39 degrees in the Rioja alavesa area. While coastal regions can expect slightly cooler air, thanks to a northeast wind bringing maximums of about 29 ºC, the risk of forest fires remains worryingly high through the weekend.

The situation is critical, as extreme heat presents serious health risks. The United Nations has recently highlighted that extreme heat events have surged globally, with most countries facing dire consequences and a need for enhanced disaster preparedness. António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN, called for immediate action against extreme heat just a year ago, emphasizing the urgent requirement for early warning systems and robust health action plans. According to UN News, almost 100 million people in the United States have already received heat danger alerts this summer, a tally that reflects the dire reality facing many around the globe.

Impact of Heat Waves

As the Mediterranean region and the Balkans grapple with what is now their third heatwave of the summer, outdoor activities and agricultural practices are disrupted. The heat is not just taxing on the human body; it has also resulted in devastating forest fires, loss of life, and significant air quality deterioration. Last month, Turkey recorded a shocking high of 50.5 °C in Silope, while Cyprus followed closely with 44.6 °C. Popular tourist attractions in hotter locales such as Greece, Italy, and Spain have had to close their doors to visitors. Evacuations in response to forest fires have become the norm in these regions and the response can often feel woefully inadequate.

As PAHO explains, the effects of heat on human health hinge on factors like duration, intensity, and the acclimation of both the population and infrastructures. These heatwaves can lead to rapid hospitalizations and even fatalities within days. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke loom large as threats, particularly for those suffering from pre-existing health conditions. Disturbingly, most heat-related deaths stem from the exacerbation of respiratory, renal, and psychiatric diseases.

Additionally, the impact extends beyond individual health, with repercussions for agriculture, energy supply, and water quality. The United States has witnessed more deaths from heat than from any other climate-related danger in recent decades. In modern society, ensuring access to fresh food and maintaining a reliable chain of cold storage are already tall orders, and escalating heat only compounds these challenges.

Preparing for the Future

In light of the rising frequency of these extreme heat events, the global community must come together to bolster preparedness. Despite the clear and compelling evidence of climate change’s role in intensifying heat waves, many governments still lack adequate response plans. The UN has initiated resources and a call to action to enhance thermal risk management, urging nations to protect vulnerable populations, safeguard workers, and involve scientific data in economic planning. As the heat continues to rise in intensity, the time for decisive action is now.

As we navigate these scorching days ahead in Euskadi, it’s essential for everyone to stay informed and alert. The heat may be daunting, but with the right precautions and a concerted effort across all levels of society, we can mitigate its impact and strive for a more resilient future against the backdrop of climate change.