The start of August in Málaga is marked by extreme heat and the arrival of the 'terral' wind. Following four heatwaves this summer, thermometers are set to reach 41 degrees Celsius again in areas like the Guadalhorce Valley. Residents like María state that gazpacho, full refrigerators, and cold beers are essential to cope with the suffocating heat.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has reported that Málaga is the only Andalusian province with a yellow alert for high temperatures, active from 1:00 PM to 8:59 PM this Tuesday. The Sol y Guadalhorce regions are expected to record the highest temperatures. The province will be the only one with a meteorological alert for Wednesday in Andalusia. Nights will remain tropical, with values around 25 degrees Celsius, not dropping below 20.
The weather forecast indicates mostly clear or partly cloudy skies. Minimum temperatures will remain stable, while maximums will decrease in La Axarquía, stay stable on the coast, and slightly decline in the rest of the province.
Due to the high temperatures, locals are seeking shaded areas and terraces. María, on vacation, finds refuge in bar terraces, goes to the beach, and visits shopping centers for their air conditioning. At home, they use air conditioning and fans, mindful of the impact on their electricity bills.
David and Marta prefer ice cream and fresh foods to cool down. They explain that a cold ice cream 'gives them life' in this heat. They stroll through the city center looking for shade and always carry a large bottle of fresh water. Silvia, on her way to work, avoids the central hours of the day and dark clothing.
Home habits also change, with people spending time in front of fans and showering twice a day. Manuel, despite the heat, believes that plans can still be made in the city, avoiding peak sun hours, such as going to the pool, the beach, or staying home with air conditioning until the evening, when he goes out for a drink.
Álvaro, living near the center, always carries a well-chilled bottle of water, refilling it at public fountains. He also opts for the pool or the beach to combat the intense heat.
Other alternatives include visiting large shopping centers, going to the cinema, or dining in indoor restaurants with air conditioning. María and Álvaro emphasize the importance of sunscreen. The heat also alters Álvaro's eating habits, leading him to consume gazpacho, fresh salads, cold fruits like melon and watermelon, and ice cream. August's heat necessitates changes in daily life but also sparks ingenious alternatives to combat the high temperatures.
