Hottest day of the year – check in on the vulnerable

The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued an orange alert for Tuesday, August 19, across the Costa del Sol, Malaga city, and Guadalhorce Valley, and a yellow alert for Axarquía, as searing temperatures and terral winds grip the region.

The terral wind is dragging hot, super-heated air from the centre of the country down to the normally cool south coast leaving people with the feeling they are being blown by a giant hairdryer.

From 1pm to 9pm, temperatures are expected to hit in excess of 39°C in the Costa del Sol, Guadalhorce Valley, and Malaga capital. The extreme heat, coinciding with Malaga’s Feria, poses a serious risk to life, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Andalucía, including the Costa del Sol, has been hit hard by heat this summer, with 134 heat-related deaths reported between June and July 2025, doubling the 68 deaths from the same period in 2024. Nationwide, Spain has seen a staggering 1,180 heat-related fatalities from May 16 to July 13, a tenfold increase from the 114 those in 2024. Most victims were over 65, with 129 of Andalucía’s fatalities being in this age group, 84 women. The elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses are especially at risk, with high temperatures proving fatal for some.

Monday’s temperatures highlighted the severity, with Álora reaching over 42°C, and Coín and Fuente de Piedra going past 41°C. Health officials are stressing the importance of residents and tourists staying well hydrated (no, not beer), avoiding outdoor activities from 12pm to 5pm, and taking the time to look in on vulnerable individuals. The heatwave continues Wednesday with yellow alerts and temperatures around 36°C, though Antequera and Ronda continue with the warnings.

This summer ranks as Spain’s fourth deadliest for heat-related deaths, with 1,510 fatalities nationwide from June 21 to August 7, 2025, a 30 per cent increase from 2024. Experts attribute the surge to climate-driven temperature spikes, with June 2025 being Spain’s hottest on record.

However, relief is in sight for the Costa del Sol, as AEMET forecasts a temperature drop toward the end of the week, promising milder conditions to safely enjoy the region’s festivities and coastline. Stay cautious, stay cool, drink lots of water, and look forward to more comfortable days ahead.