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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Daniel Morrow

Firefighters in Spain tackle huge wildfires as temperatures soar above 40C

Authorities in Spain have been tackling a string of wildfires in recent days as temperatures continue to soar across the country.

The thermostat has climbed to unusually high levels in recent days, with many Spanish cities seeing the temperature spike above 40C - which can often be recorded in some parts in August.

A lack of rain and gusting winds has resulted in a number of wildfires breaking out in parts of the country.

One of the worst affected areas is in the north-west province of Zamora, where more than 61,000 acres have been consumed by a string of blazes.

Temperatures have soared above 40C in a number of Spanish cities in recent days (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

More than 500 firefighters were deployed to tackle the flames, alongside water-dumping planes and helicopters.

Military units have also been seen in Navarra in the north, and Lleida in the north east of the country.

Yellow weather warnings have also been issued by AEMET, Spain’s national meteorological organisation, over Monday and Tuesday.

Experts are anticipating thunderstorms and exceptionally high temperatures in the north east and eastern parts of Spain over those two days.

Earlier this month, AEMET said that there is a 60 per cent chance of warmer than normal temperatures in the Canary Islands over the summer months.

They have also said it is 70 per cent likely that it will be hotter than normal on Balearic Islands.

Authorities across Spain have launched an emergency heat prevention plan, which is set to last until September 15 this year.

A surveillance system to assess the impact of the high temperatures on the health of the population has been put in place, and local healthcare centres are on high alert to deal with a potential influx of patients affected by the unusually warm weather.

A health spokesperson from the Canary Islands said: "These actions are intended to increase individual prevention capacity to face the heat in the Canary Islands by applying measures that are easy and accessible.

"All the hospitals and the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) have staff designated and specially trained to deal with and effectively coordinate the services in the event of a possible heatwave, as well as the established communication channels.”

Millions of UK holidaymakers are expected to travel over the Spain this year, as Covid restrictions continue to loosen.

Queues of travellers have been building up at airports across the UK in recent weeks, as many prepare for their first trip abroad for more than two years.

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