How To Handle Sizzling Summer Heatwaves in Spain and Costa Ballena (Cádiz)
It’s the second of August, and Andalusia is already bracing for the fifth heatwave of the 2025 summer — an increasingly familiar drumbeat under Spain’s blazing southern sun. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued urgent warnings: another punishing dome of heat is settling across the region, pushing daytime temperatures to 45°C in parts of Andalusia and the valleys of the Guadalquivir and Guadiana, and ensuring that nights offer little relief, with some areas not dipping below 25°C. Sleep is elusive, the air heavy, and urban heat islands guarantee that the heat lingers even long after sunset.
Once, heatwaves in Spain were rare, punctuated events; now, they arrive with a kind of grim regularity. 2025 stands as proof: not only have heat events been more frequent and persistent, but they’re also more deadly — over 1,100 deaths attributed to extreme heat in just the span between May and July, a tenfold rise compared to last year.
This August, southern Spain is caught in the grip of its fifth heatwave of the season. From the sunbaked squares of Seville to the beaches of Costa Ballena, everyone is feeling the strain. But the way this extreme heat affects us isn’t one-size-fits-all; each age group faces its own unique set of challenges.
How the Heat Affects Babies and Young Children
For infants and young children, soaring temperatures quickly become dangerous, often before they can speak up. Their bodies heat up and dehydrate much faster than adults, and they often don’t recognize or communicate thirst. Extended play under the midday sun, even in the pool or at the beach, can quickly lead to overheating or sunburn. Parents need to stay vigilant — keep children inside during the hottest hours, offer water regularly, and check their skin for signs of sun exposure. Lightweight, loose clothes and cool baths work wonders for keeping little bodies comfortable.
How the Heat Affects Teenagers and Young Adults
For teens and young adults, summer heat can lure them outside for sports or social events, sometimes causing them to push through discomfort. This age group may ignore early warning signs like headaches, dizziness, or muscle cramps, thinking these will pass. In extreme heat, these symptoms may escalate into heat exhaustion or heatstroke if ignored. Teens should be reminded not to dismiss tiredness or rapid pulse and to schedule outdoor activities for the early morning or evening. Hydration and taking breaks in the shade are crucial — forgetting to do so can result in days wiped out by heat-related fatigue.
How the Heat Affects Working-Age Adults
This is the group most likely to be outside during the hottest hours — whether for work, errands, or exercise. Heat can sap energy and reduce concentration, increasing the risk of accidents and mistakes on the job. This can make even healthy adults more vulnerable to symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath — especially if they try to “power through” demanding tasks. Physical performance drops as the body focuses on trying to cool itself; it’s easy to become lightheaded, nauseous, or develop headaches without realizing it’s from the heat. Adults should remember that tasks performed under the midday sun take a heavier toll than usual. Wearing breathable fabrics, taking regular shade breaks, and listening to your body’s signals — especially headache, dry mouth, or confusion — are essential safeguards. Don’t be tempted by “just one more task” when the pavement shimmers.
How the Heat Affects Elderly individuals
Elderly individuals often find the heat especially draining. They might not notice when they’re becoming dehydrated, and existing medical issues can worsen quickly in extreme temperatures. Even gentle activity — watering plants, tidying up, shopping — can put additional strain on the heart, which has to pump harder in order to cool the body. This increased effort can lead to fatigue, a racing pulse, or chest discomfort, particularly for those who already have underlying heart conditions. Feeling unusually weak, dizzy, or disoriented are all warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. Even simple activities like cooking or cleaning can be physically taxing when the air is stifling. It’s important for seniors to stay in the coolest room, rest frequently, and keep water nearby at all times. Relatives or neighbors should offer gentle reminders: “Drink a glass of water,” “Let’s close the blinds now,” or “Sit with me under the fan for a bit.” These small gestures make a big difference
Wisdom for All
No matter your age, heatwaves demand extra care and attention to body signals. Sunglasses, sunhats, and sunscreen aren’t just for the beach — they’re daily equipment now. Keep meals light and cool, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and never underestimate the power of a siesta in the shade. And, of course, look out for each other — sometimes the simplest check-in is the most powerful defense against the fierce Spanish sun.