The Valencian Community has entered what is expected to be the first intense heatwave of the summer this weekend. Temperatures will progressively rise, being particularly noticeable in the inland regions and the pre-littoral. The city of Valencia will experience a marked contrast: while sea breezes might slightly moderate the coast, inland areas will suffer clearly sweltering conditions.
Unlike other extreme episodes, no westerly winds are expected. Light winds and sea breezes will prevail, preventing sharp temperature increases on the immediate coast. However, the high relative humidity will accentuate the feeling of mugginess, especially during the central hours of the day and in the afternoon.
On Saturday, June 20th, the sky showed intervals of high clouds and suspended dust. Maximum temperatures began a slight ascent, with an already summery atmosphere. In Valencia city, thermometers reached 32 ºC, while in Castellón and Alicante they approached 33 ºC. According to data from Avamet, the highest temperatures were recorded in Casas Bajas (34.7 ºC), Ademuz (33.8 ºC), Castielfabib (33.7 ºC), Llíria (33.4 ºC), and Marines (33 ºC).
For today, Sunday, June 21st, the influx of warm air from the south will cause very high temperatures. In the Valencian Community, air of Saharan origin will settle strongly. Maximums of 38 ºC are forecast for Villena, 37 ºC for Yecla, and 36 ºC for Xixona and Atzeneta del Maestrat. Locations like Llíria, Alcoi, Elx, and Segorbe will reach 35 ºC. In the provincial capitals, Castellón will rise to 34 ºC, Alicante to 33 ºC, and Valencia will remain at 31 ºC with high humidity.
The most intense phase of the episode is expected between Monday and Wednesday, when maximums will generally soar to 38 ºC in numerous inland and pre-littoral locations, including Llíria, Xàtiva, Sumacàrcer, Cofrentes, Requena, Villena, Font de la Figuera, and Atzeneta del Maestrat. In the provincial capitals, Castellón will reach 35 ºC, while Valencia and Alicante will repeat highs of 33 ºC.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, yellow, orange, and red alerts have been activated for heat, rain, and storms. Spain is registering the first red alert of the week in the north, with orange alerts in several communities and yellow in many other regions.
