The Highest Temperature Recorded on the Costa Del Sol
Buying and Selling
Written by Maggie ,
Monday, 30 September 2024
The Costa del Sol, located along the southern coast of Spain in the Andalusian region, is famous for its Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. However, on July 18, 1978, the region experienced an extraordinary heatwave, pushing the temperature in Malaga to an unprecedented 44.2°C (111.6°F), marking the highest temperature ever recorded in the Costa del Sol.
Malaga, the region's largest city, often experiences high summer temperatures due to its geographical location and proximity to the Sierra de Mijas mountain range, which can trap heat in the area. In addition, the presence of the Terral wind, a hot and dry wind that blows from the interior of Spain towards the coast, can significantly raise temperatures. This phenomenon was likely a contributing factor to the record-breaking heat in 1978.
The Terral wind is a key feature of the Costa del Sol’s weather patterns, particularly in Malaga. Unlike the cooling breezes from the Mediterranean, the Terral brings scorching air from inland regions, leading to sharp increases in temperature over a short period. When the Terral wind combines with a heatwave, as it did in July 1978, it can push temperatures well above the usual summer highs.
While the Costa del Sol typically sees summer temperatures in the 30-35°C (86-95°F) range, the record-breaking 44.2°C in 1978 remains a standout event. It serves as a reminder of the region's susceptibility to extreme heat during certain weather conditions, particularly during heatwaves exacerbated by local wind patterns like the Terral. Despite being unusual, such extreme temperatures underline the diversity of weather that can occur in this otherwise temperate coastal region.
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