The third and final major heatwave of the summer has left extreme records in the Valencian Community, concluding with an official high of 43.9 degrees in Bicorp. However, the most notable characteristic of this episode was its high humidity, which sent the thermal sensation soaring to unprecedented levels. In Sumacàrcer, for example, while the thermometer read 40.1 degrees at 3:24 PM, the perceived temperature for the body was 63.1 degrees, a difference of 23 degrees.
According to data from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), other locations such as Villena recorded 43.7 degrees and Alcoi, 43.2 degrees. The humidity, which reached almost 90% in coastal areas like l'Albufera de València, was responsible for this intensified perception of heat. The Valencian Meteorology Association (Avamet) described the situation as "We had never seen this before".
The difference between the actual temperature and the thermal sensation was widespread. In l'Atzúbia, the sensation reached 55 degrees with a temperature of 37.5 degrees and 63% humidity. In el Verger and Palma de Gandia, the sensation was 50 degrees with temperatures of 37.6 and 38.2 degrees respectively. In l'Albufera de València, 83% humidity created a 14-degree difference between the temperature (32 degrees) and the sensation (46 degrees).
Nights have also been torrid, with minimum temperatures above 25 degrees in many locations, including València city, which has had 12 such nights since July 13th. Additionally, isolated storms occurred with strong winds of up to 90 km/h.
Starting this Sunday, a significant drop in temperatures is expected, especially in the pre-coastal and southern coastal areas of Valencia and southern Alicante. Westerly winds will help renew the air mass, making it drier and reducing the muggy feeling. Highs on the coast will be around 30 degrees and in the interior around 32 degrees, with minimums potentially dropping below 20 degrees in some inland regions.
