Pasaia, Higer, Zarautz, Zizurkil, and Andoain, along with Santa Clara Island, were among the highest temperature readings registered by Euskalmet early Monday morning, ranging from 34.3ºC to 35.5ºC. Specifically, between two and three in the morning, strong south-southwesterly wind gusts sharply increased the thermometers, which were already below 30ºC, making it difficult to sleep.
Scientifically, a tropical night is defined when minimum temperatures do not drop below 20ºC, an equatorial night if they don't fall below 25ºC, and an 'infernal night' when the mercury rises above 30ºC. Despite difficulties during much of the early morning in Gipuzkoa, temperatures remained below 30ºC shortly before dawn, exceeding the predicted minimums (21ºC on the coast and 20ºC inland).
Expectations for the environment to cool down were low after Zizurkil recorded the day's maximum temperature of 43.4 degrees at 4:50 PM on Sunday. In Araba, 41.6ºC were reached, and in the Biscay station of Sodupe-Cadagua, 42.0ºC were recorded – anomalous temperatures unthinkable in June.
The alarm level is at its maximum. Euskadi has raised the heatwave alert from orange to red, particularly in inland areas of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia, anticipating thermometers could exceed 40ºC again, especially in regions like Debagoiena, Goierri, or Tolosaldea, and 37ºC in coastal areas.
With the red alert activated for high temperatures in Gipuzkoa, adopting preventive measures to protect public health is crucial, as the Basque Government has emphasized in recent hours. These recommendations include maintaining proper hydration, protecting oneself from direct sun exposure, adapting indoor spaces, and increasing attention to the most vulnerable groups.
