The stifling heat expected for Sunday is already making a strong impact in Bizkaia, with much of the territory surpassing 30 degrees Celsius. For instance, Amorebieta recorded 31.4ºC, Areta 33.3ºC, Balmaseda 31.8ºC, Carranza 31.7ºC, Trucios 31.9ºC, Elorrio 33.1ºC, and Galdakao 33.1ºC. Euskalmet's station in Bilbao reached 30.3 degrees at 09:50 AM, while Igorre has already exceeded 34 degrees.
The worst is yet to come. Euskalmet will activate the red alert from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM this Monday across Euskadi. Maximum temperatures could reach around 37 degrees Celsius on the coast and 40 degrees inland. Nights will also be oppressive, with thermometers not dropping below 20 degrees Celsius.
The Basque Government's Emergency Directorate has extended the orange alert for high temperatures until Tuesday. An 'anticyclonic ridge' is causing heat accumulation, particularly impacting the Cantabrian communities. It is anticipated that Spanish capitals collectively might register the highest average temperature for a June month since records began.
In Bilbao, temperatures are expected to rise sharply from noon today, reaching highs of 42 degrees Celsius today, 43 tomorrow and the day after, and up to 44 on Wednesday. On Thursday, the mercury will 'only' rise to 35 degrees. In areas like Atxondo, Zalla, Durango, and Orozko, temperatures could reach 43 degrees during the week, while Dima is forecast for 42, and Gernika and Orduña for 41. Coastal areas will experience some relief from the sea breeze, though highs are still predicted to reach 37 degrees in Muskiz and Sukarrieta, 36 in Bermeo and Getxo, and 33 in Lekeitio.
In addition to usual individual precautions, Bilbao will open 'climate shelters' in several buildings to offer more pleasant temperatures. Fountains and showers in urban beaches are also available. As a precautionary measure, about twenty events scheduled for today have been suspended, including celebrations for Bilbao's 726th anniversary, the Kosta Trail in Sopela, and a performance by the Barakaldo Municipal Band.
