Warm downdraft causes heat surge in Marina Alta

An unusual meteorological phenomenon led to extreme temperatures overnight, with new peaks possible next week.

Generic image of a thermometer showing a very high temperature in a dry landscape.
IA

Generic image of a thermometer showing a very high temperature in a dry landscape.

The Marina Alta region experienced an unusual warm downdraft during Thursday morning, causing temperatures to soar to 37ºC in Vall d’Ebo, accompanied by wind and low humidity.

During Thursday morning, the Marina Alta registered exceptionally high temperatures, with around 37ºC in Vall d’Ebo and elevated readings in other parts of the region's interior. According to Avamet, the cause was a warm downdraft, a meteorological phenomenon accompanied by gusts of wind, a significant drop in humidity, and changes in atmospheric pressure.
This phenomenon was particularly noticeable in areas such as l’Alcoià, el Comtat, the interior of Marina Alta, northern Marina Baixa, northern l’Alacantí, eastern l’Alt Vinalopó, and southern la Vall d’Albaida. Avamet illustrated the event with a graph from its Alcoy station, showing the thermometer reaching its peak at 5:45 AM before a slight decrease.
The feeling of nocturnal mugginess has given way to a hot Thursday, with a yellow alert for high temperatures in Marina Alta. The day was characterized by the presence of suspended dust and the passage of subtropical cloud bands originating from the desert.
The heat alert will continue on Friday in Marina Alta. Furthermore, Aemet does not rule out a new heat peak mid-next week, with minimum temperatures remaining high along the coast, around 25 degrees Celsius, close to the threshold of a tropical night, and high humidity that will further accentuate the muggy feeling.