Spain is heading towards a “hot and humid” spring as the latest weather maps show temperature levels rising to “unusual” 25C in the middle of March.
The European country situated on the Iberian Peninsula is likely to witness a warm spring, with one expert warning that an “African plume” will blast the continent.
Over the years, the popular holiday destination has been experiencing bouts of heatwaves with temperature levels sizzling up to 40C with many believing that it might “turn into a desert” in the next few years due to furnace heat.
Maps from WXCharts have turned red from March 16 for areas like Seville, Malaga, and Murcia indicating the presence of hot weather conditions.
Average temperatures in these Spanish cities during March are around 21C but with the current climate change, it is going to get a bit tough for the locals.
The national meteorological service, AEMET, released its weather forecast for the next three months and the experts predict that temperatures across the peninsula will continue to rise.
Official forecasts have been released as March 1 signifies the beginning of the meteorological spring, ending on May 31. This is in contrast to the astronomical spring which begins on March 20 with the spring equinox.
Seville, the capital of Andalusia, ranks as Spain’s fourth largest city. Renowned for its appeal to tourists, it drew over 2.9 million visitors who lodged in hotels and other accommodations in 2019.
WXCharts maps show by March 17, most of the southern part of Spain will be covered with heat with areas such as Valencia burning at 32C.
Weather experts believe that the city is under the influence of the Foehn effect.
Jim Dale, a meterologist with British Weather Services told Express.co.uk: “It’s going to happen in mid-March and seems to be coming slightly earlier. It couldn’t get higher than that quite easily. The reason is the African plume coming straight out of Africa, so it will impact many areas of Europe. Places like Cordoba and Seville in Spain are likely to warm up. The valley area on the other side of the mountains could witness the foehn effect.
“Heat plumes out of Africa head to Spain at this time of the year, so it’s not too unusual in that aspect. But what might be surprising is the temperature levels rising at this time of the month. The last time was back in 2012 when the mercury levels went up to around 37C by the end of the month.
“It is a heatwave because it is coming a bit early at this time of the year. We are facing the long summer weather conditions. It won’t be too hot to stand at the moment.
“It is unusual but would be received well by the holidaymakers looking to get away for a break. However, it won’t be good for the Spanish farmers who will be facing a drought similar situation.”
