The Valencian Meteorology Association (Avamet) has described the night as "the hottest since records began in most Valencian towns," according to data collected by its meteorological towers. 77% of Avamet's 677 network stations did not drop below 25 ºC, and 130 of them exceeded 30 ºC.
The municipalities of Plana Baixa were the most affected. In la Vilavella, la Vall d'Uixó, Almenara, Artana, and Onda, minimum temperatures did not fall below 30 degrees Celsius, making sleep very difficult.
As a consequence of the easterly wind (ponentà), "incredible" nocturnal highs were recorded. At 1:16 AM, the thermometer showed 38 degrees Celsius in la Vilavella, 37.7 ºC in Nules, 37 ºC in Betxí, and 36 ºC in la Vall d'Uixó.
Avamet points to climate change as the main culprit for this extreme heat. However, a respite is expected by the weekend, with a forecast of a thermal drop that will bring temperatures to more manageable levels.
