The Phenomenon Behind the Recent Heat Wave on Costa del Sol, Spain

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You have probably noticed that the temperatures on Costa del Sol are unusually high right now. February is normally the coldest month of the year when locals wear winter jackets, scarfs and hats. The last couple of days, shorts and flip flops have found their way out of the closet!

The phenomenon behind the heatwave is a wind called “Terral”. It’s a north-western wind, local to the Málaga area, Guadalhorce, Veléz-Málaga and Estepona. 

The Terral is a strong inland wind that warms up on its way down to the coast. It’s most commonly experienced in the summer when temperatures can rise dramatically within minutes! Sometimes, the temperature rises up to ten degrees!

When you experience the Terral wind in the summer, it feels as if you have a hairdryer pointed at your face! The best way to endure it is in front of an air conditioner inside, with all the windows closed, or down by the beach.

The Terral wind descends through the river basins, which is why the municipalities with larger rivers experience it worse than other.

The wind cools down when it reaches the ocean, and usually only lasts for two to three days, so enjoy it while it’s still summer temperatures in February!

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Written by

Henric Sundlof

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