A scorching Sunday hit Gipuzkoa, with thermometers exceeding 40 degrees Celsius at midday in seven Euskalmet weather stations. These included Lasarte-Oria (41.1), Oiartzun (40.6), Alegia (40.5), Ibai Eder in Azpeitia (40.4), Behobia (40.1), Belauntza (40.0), and Zizurkil, which recorded the highest temperature at 43 degrees at 16:50. Additionally, ten other stations surpassed the 39-degree mark.
The maximum temperature recorded in Zizurkil, at 43 degrees (a provisional figure pending final validation), was the highest among all Euskalmet measurement stations in the Basque Country (CAV). In Araba, 41.6 degrees were registered in Gardea, and 42.0 degrees in the Biscay station of Sodupe-Cadagua. These temperatures are highly anomalous for June.
It is worth noting that Gipuzkoa had not recorded maximums above 42 degrees since July 2022 and August 2023 (which saw highs of 42.8 degrees). If confirmed, the 43 degrees recorded in Zizurkil could represent a new record for the territory.
More moderate maximum temperatures were recorded along the immediate coastline, at the Higer (Hondarribia) station (33.9 degrees), the Port of Pasaia (33.4), and Inurritza in Zarautz (31.0). All other locations exceeded 35 degrees.
The alarm level is at its maximum. Euskadi has upgraded the alert for the heatwave affecting the CAV from orange to red, particularly in inland areas of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia, anticipating that thermometers could exceed 40 degrees Celsius again tomorrow. This is especially true for regions like Debagoiena, Goierri, or Tolosaldea, and 37 degrees in coastal areas.
Furthermore, there is no respite at night, as minimum temperatures are expected to remain around 21 degrees on the coast and 20 degrees in inland areas.
Wildfire Risk
Additionally, a yellow alert is in place for Monday due to the risk of forest fires throughout the day. This is a result of high temperatures combined with the intensity of the south-westerly wind and increasingly dry terrain following the accumulation of heat in recent days.
Additionally, a yellow alert is in place for Monday due to the risk of forest fires throughout the day. This is a result of high temperatures combined with the intensity of the south-westerly wind and increasingly dry terrain following the accumulation of heat in recent days.
Summer has arrived forcefully in Gipuzkoa and the rest of Euskadi. The Basque Government has reiterated that the activation of the red alert is in response to the forecast of "exceptionally high" temperatures during the central hours of the day, within the context of a persistent heat episode that is causing elevated values both day and night across much of Euskadi.
For Tuesday, the heat alert will be lowered to orange between 12:00 and midnight, with maximum temperatures expected between 35 and 39 degrees, depending on the area, and minimums between 19 and 22 degrees. The yellow alert for wildfire risk will also remain in effect.
Sunday's orange alert proved insufficient. It was active from midday until 20:00 today, but reality has surpassed the forecasts.
Minimum temperatures so far, during Sunday morning, have hovered around 20.1 degrees on the coast, 19.5 in the interior of Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, 17.4 in the interior of Araba, and 19.6 in the southern part of that territory.
Preventing Dehydration
The Directorate of Emergency Response and Meteorology of the Basque Government advises following the self-protection recommendations outlined by the Directorate of Public Health in the 2026 Heat Plan of the Department of Health. These include protecting oneself from the heat outdoors, keeping homes cool, preventing dehydration, and caring for the most vulnerable individuals.
The Directorate of Emergency Response and Meteorology of the Basque Government advises following the self-protection recommendations outlined by the Directorate of Public Health in the 2026 Heat Plan of the Department of Health. These include protecting oneself from the heat outdoors, keeping homes cool, preventing dehydration, and caring for the most vulnerable individuals.
In this regard, it is recommended to avoid sun exposure during the central hours of the day, keep windows and blinds closed during the hottest periods, ventilate at night, drink water and fluids frequently, avoid heavy meals, never leave anyone in a closed vehicle, and pay special attention to elderly people living alone, among other recommendations. In case of emergency, call 112.
Monitoring Committee
The Department of Security of the Basque Government has announced that it will declare the Emergency Phase 'LABI Situation 0' this Monday from noon, in response to the red alert for heat established for that day in Euskadi. The Territorial Civil Protection Plan of Euskadi will carry out monitoring, evaluation, and forecasting functions through a Technical Committee located at the SOS Deiak Emergency Coordination Center.
The Department of Security of the Basque Government has announced that it will declare the Emergency Phase 'LABI Situation 0' this Monday from noon, in response to the red alert for heat established for that day in Euskadi. The Territorial Civil Protection Plan of Euskadi will carry out monitoring, evaluation, and forecasting functions through a Technical Committee located at the SOS Deiak Emergency Coordination Center.
