Thermometers in inland Gipuzkoa have already surpassed 37 degrees Celsius since midday. Yellow alerts from Euskalmet and red alerts from Aemet have been issued, predicting mercury levels to exceed 40 degrees Celsius this afternoon until 8 PM. This heatwave is expected to persist for at least another 48 hours.
In response, the Basque Government will implement the LABI plan tomorrow, Monday, to track the evolution of extreme temperatures and to adopt and communicate exceptional measures if necessary. Both Euskalmet and Aemet will issue red alerts, anticipating highs above 40 degrees Celsius inland and between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius on the coast.
The southerly wind and persistent high temperatures increase the risk of forest fires. Consequently, the Basque Government's Department of Security announced that the Emergency Phase (Situation 0 of LABI) will be activated tomorrow from 12:00 PM. A Technical Committee at the Sos Deiak Emergency Coordination Center will oversee monitoring, evaluation, and forecasting.
This heatwave is projected to continue until Tuesday. Nighttime temperatures are also expected to be high, remaining above 20 degrees Celsius, potentially leading to tropical nights. For instance, municipalities like Tolosa anticipate highs of 42 degrees Celsius, while Beasain and Arrasate expect 41 degrees. On the coast, Donostia will see temperatures ranging between 19 and 36 degrees Celsius, and Zarautz between 18 and 36 degrees.
Euskalmet describes this heat as 'typical of mid-summer,' with maximums exceeding 35 degrees Celsius across most of the territory, and approaching 40 degrees in some locations. South-easterly winds are expected generally, with a north wind and slight cooling along the coast in the afternoon.
