The province of Cadiz will begin to feel the effects of the third heatwave this weekend, according to forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). Although the peak of the highest temperatures is expected by mid-next week, areas in the Sierra de Cadiz and Jimena will be under a yellow alert on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. This warning level implies a risk of temperatures potentially reaching 40 degrees Celsius at times.
The phenomenon known as a 'warm downburst' or 'thermal downburst' explains this new temperature rise. Aemet details that a blocking atmospheric pattern, along with a DANA (isolated depression at high levels) to the west of the Iberian Peninsula and an anticyclonic circulation over North Africa, will facilitate the entry of a warm, dry air mass. This air, combined with the insolation typical of this time of year and subsidence, will cause a progressive rise in temperatures.
Storms weakening in the north of the Peninsula can generate these warm downbursts. If hot air descends and compresses after the rain's moisture evaporates before reaching the ground, it can cause a sudden increase of up to 5 degrees.
Thermal analysis places Thursday, July 23rd, as the most extreme day in the province. 45 ºC are forecast for Jimena de la Frontera, 44 ºC for Alcalá de los Gazules, and 43 ºC for Jerez de la Frontera and Trebujena. This combination of accumulated heat and the effect of the westerly wind, which reheats as it moves inland, explains these figures. On the coast, the wind will moderate the maximums but increase the sensation of heat due to humidity.
In addition to the extreme heat, tropical nights (nighttime lows not below 20 degrees Celsius) and even torrid nights (not below 25 degrees Celsius) are expected in some inland areas, making rest difficult. Many towns will remain above 24-25 ºC for hours.
In light of this situation, the Junta de Andalucía has requested increased vigilance for the most vulnerable groups, including minors, the elderly, and chronically ill individuals.
