Climate change: Spain breaks record temperature for April

Spain has experienced its hottest ever temperature for April, with a reading of 38.8C recorded at Cordoba airport. The heatwave, which has lasted for several days, has seen temperatures 10-15C above the expected levels for April, driven by a mass of hot air from Africa and a slow-moving weather system.

Spain’s meteorological office has expressed surprise at the scale of the heat, with temperatures exceeding previous records by as much as 5C in some locations. Climatologist Maximiliano Herrera has described the heat event as “absolutely extreme” and “unprecedented”.

In response to the ongoing heatwave, schools in Spain will be allowed to adjust their schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day. The Madrid underground is also increasing train frequency to prevent passengers from waiting for long periods on platforms, while public swimming pools are set to open a month earlier than usual.

Experts warn that the poor are most at risk from extreme temperatures, as they are more likely to suffer health issues related to heat. The heatwave in Spain is part of a global trend, with climate change exacerbating naturally high temperatures.

Meteorologists attribute the exceptional temperatures to a combination of factors, including hot weather in North Africa, high pressure weather systems, and clear skies over the Iberian peninsula, where the ground is already too dry to evaporate the heat.

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